Men's health checks by age: what to ask your doctor about and when
TUREFF• •0
Many men only see a doctor when something is clearly wrong. Yet some of the most common serious conditions, such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, often cause no symptoms for years. Regular checks are how they are found early. This guide is general information, mainly using the NHS in England as an example. Your GP is the right person to advise on what applies to you.
In your 20s and 30s
You may not need much routine testing, but it is a good time to build habits:
- Register with a GP if you have moved and not done so. It makes everything else easier.
- Know your blood pressure. Many pharmacies offer free checks for adults over 40, and some GP practices have machines in the waiting room. Ask your GP how often you should be checked.
- Check your testicles. Testicular cancer is one of the more common cancers in younger men. Get to know what is normal for you and see a GP about any lump, swelling or change. Most lumps are not cancer, but they should be checked.
- Sexual health. Free, confidential testing is available at sexual health clinics, and in many areas by post.
- Eyes and teeth. The NHS generally recommends an eye test every two years, and your dentist will tell you how often you need a check-up.
From 40: the NHS Health Check
In England, adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a previous stroke, are invited for a free NHS Health Check every five years. It usually takes about half an hour and looks at:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Height, weight and waist size
- Your risk of type 2 diabetes
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and activity
You get an estimate of your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes over the coming years, plus advice. If you think you are eligible but have not been invited, contact your GP practice. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements, so ask your practice.
In your 50s and beyond
- Bowel cancer screening. In England and Scotland, people aged 50 to 74 are sent a free home test kit every two years. Age ranges can differ elsewhere in the UK. Do the test when it arrives: it is quick and done in private.
- Prostate. There is no national prostate screening programme in the UK, because the PSA blood test is not accurate enough on its own. Men over 50 can talk to their GP about whether a PSA test is right for them. Your risk is higher if a close relative had prostate cancer or if you are Black, so mention either at the appointment.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening. In England, men are invited for a quick ultrasound scan in the year they turn 65. Men over 65 who were never screened can usually ask for one.
Symptoms not to sit on, at any age
See a GP rather than waiting for a routine check if you notice:
- Blood in your urine or stools
- Needing to urinate more often, urgently or at night, or a weak flow
- A change in bowel habit that lasts for weeks
- A new lump anywhere
- A mole that changes size, shape or colour, or bleeds
- Unexplained weight loss, a cough that will not go away, or difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or breathlessness on exertion
For chest pain that is severe or comes on suddenly, call 999.
Getting the most from an appointment
- Write down your questions beforehand. Appointments are short.
- Lead with the thing that worries you most, even if it feels embarrassing. GPs have seen it before.
- Know your family history, particularly heart disease, diabetes and cancers in parents and siblings.
- Be honest about drinking, smoking and drugs. The advice is only as good as the information.
- Ask what happens next, such as when results come and who will contact you.
Have you had a health check that caught something early? Share your experience in the comments.