A leading GP has shared the ‘health MOT’ that he believes every man should be carrying out in order to maximise life expectancy.
Dr Donald Grant, who is also senior clinical advisor to The Independent Pharmacy, is urging men to take a range of tests, in order catch a raft of deadly diseases early.
By picking up conditions at the earliest stages there is the best possible chance of treatment — or taking steps to avoid getting ill altogether, he adds.
Dr Grant said: ‘When it comes to men’s health, there’s a variety of routine checks to carry out at home or with a licensed GP, to catch things as early as possible.
‘There are a range of health concerns that become more prevalent with age, including prostate cancer, while younger men are more at risk of testicular cancer.’
With Men’s Health Awareness Month — better known as Movember — kicking off this week, also added other tests, for heart and eye health, should also be seen as part of normal self-care.
Testicular cancer self-check
‘Testicular cancer can impact any man of any age, but it’s more prominent in white men aged 18 to 45,’ said Dr Grant, who is based in Bristol.
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‘I cannot stress enough the importance of a monthly self-assessment.’
The NHS advises men and boys should start checking their testicles from puberty onwards — usually from around the age of 12 years old.
Ideally, this should be done during or immediately after a warm bath or shower to relax the scrotum.
Dr Grant said: ‘To check for lumps, first check for any signs of swelling in the scrotum before assessing each testicle by gently rolling it between the finger and thumb, feeling for any lumps.
‘If an individual feels a lump or notices any changes in testicle size, it’s important to seek urgent medical attention.
‘Blood tests can be taken to properly diagnose the issue as testicular cancer.’
Know your cholesterol levels
‘Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of developing heart disease or stroke,’ said Dr Grant.
Men can carry out at-home finger-prick cholesterol tests or a GP can carry out a blood test and send the sample away for further analysis
There are two types of cholesterol that most concern doctors: high and low-density lipoprotein (HDL & LDL).
HDL is proven to lower the risk of heart disease while LDL can have the opposite effect, clogging arteries and reducing blood flow.
‘Men can carry out at-home finger-prick tests, giving them an accurate read of their cholesterol,’ Dr Grant adds.
‘Additionally, a GP can carry out a blood test and send the sample away for further analysis.’
Take a blood pressure test
Dr Grant continues: ‘Diagnosing high blood pressure early is important for avoiding life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and strokes.
‘High blood pressure is often symptomless, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring, allowing men to avoid a further reduction in health.
‘To monitor blood pressure levels, a monitor can be used at home or at the doctor’s, providing a quick and accurate reading.
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‘The test consists of wearing a cuff and recording the systolic pressure once it’s inflated and deflated.
‘For the most accurate results, check at the same time each day and always do the test more than once to validate the results.’
Don’t be shy about prostate health
‘The risk of developing prostate cancer rises as men get older, with most people diagnosed at age 50 or over,’ says Dr Grant.
‘Despite this, it can still occur at any time, meaning regular checks are essential for men’s well-being.
‘Unfortunately, testing for prostate cancer at home is quite difficult and it’s ultimately easier to book a consultation with a doctor for a more accurate result.’
At present, men over the age of 50 can request a PSA blood test, which can flag up issues with the prostate, regardless of symptoms.
PSA, which is short for prostate specific antigen, is a protein released by the prostate — a gland that sits below the bladder, and is involved in producing semen.
Dr Grant says: ‘Testing vision is not limited to the optician visits and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test — available online’
A raised PSA level may mean there is something wrong with the prostate, and although in most cases this doesn’t mean cancer, it can do.
Men under 50 can also be tested if they are suffering symptoms the indicate prostate problems, such as changes to urinary frequency.
There are growing calls for all men to be offered a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer from age 40.
There was widespread shock last month when Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, 48, revealed he had been given a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis.
Don’t forget your eye health
Dr Grant says: ‘Testing vision is not limited to the optician visits and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test — available online.
‘The eye charts are effective for charting vision loss while online tests are a great way of quickly checking for astigmatism and light sensitivity.
‘For further analysis, men can book an optician appointment, but eye health can be easily monitored at home, allowing people to spot changes in their vision before it gets dramatically worse.
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The disease has surged by 50 per cent in under 50s over the past three decades — and the disease is more common in men
‘Overall, with Men’s Health Awareness Month taking place throughout November, it’s a reminder of how important it is to regularly carry out these health examinations.
‘Men can quickly identify and catch dangerous conditions early, giving them the best chance at making a full recovery.’
Be aware of bowel changes
Dawson’s Creek heart-throb James Van Der Beek’s revelations last week that he has colorectal cancer at the age of just 47 has fueled growing concern about cases in young people.
The disease has surged by 50 per cent in under 50s over the past three decades — and the disease is more common in men.
It’s vital everyone is aware of the key symptoms including changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation.
A change in frequency of bowel movements or the feeling of needing to go, even if you’ve just been.
Blood in the stool or toilet or bleeding from the rectum are also tell-tale signs.
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bloating or feeling full even when little has been eaten, and a changes in appetite are also seen.
Anyone suffers these symptoms should visit their GP visit and may be referred to a colorectal clinic for further investigations.
