10 Medical Tests That Men Should Never Ignore

Routine medical tests for men are a great way to keep your health going well. Consider these medical tests as regular maintenance, just like you service your vehicle regularly, to keep it safe on road. Getting the right medical health tests done at the right time can help men maintain good health. Routine health checks and medical tests can help early detection, timely treatment and prevent complications too. Medical tests for men usually depend on age and the risk factors. To keep this simple, here is the list of 10 medical tests that men should never ignore.

Here are the simplest but most important tests men should never ignore, as they can protect you from various illnesses and help to provide timely treatment.

1. Blood Pressure Test

   This medical test for men tops the list and it is important that men get their blood pressure checked once in every 1-2 years starting at the age of 18, depending upon their health risks and existing medical problems. Blood pressure is often checked when you visit your healthcare provider. It is always good to get your blood pressure checked as high blood pressure may lead to health complications like heart failure, stroke, eye problems, small vessel diseases, metabolic syndrome, heart attack, kidney diseases and more. If high or low blood pressure is detected early, proper medications can help prevent many complications. Hence blood pressure is one of the simple medical tests men should never ignore.

2. Blood Cholesterol Test

   Cholesterol test is also an important medical test men should never ignore. It is vital for your overall heart health as you age. The level of cholesterol is measured with a simple blood test and every man must undergo a cholesterol screening test once in every 3-5 years. If you are over the age of 40, you may require undergoing this test more frequently as you are at higher risk of developing heart diseases. If you are obese, already taking cholesterol lowering medicines or have a family history of cholesterol or heart disease, you may need the test more often.

3. Obesity Test

   Obesity is becoming the national pandemic that leads to several health complications like high blood pressure, heart diseases, joint problems, diabetes and even cancer. Checking for obesity is a very important medical test that men should never ignore as it can save you from a number of illnesses. According to medical professionals, people aged above 18 years must undergo an obesity test once in every 2 years. To check the obesity level, your doctors may ask you to check your body mass index.

4. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

   This is an easy medical test men should never ignore; in fact this test can save your life. The ruptured abdominal aorta can prove to be life threatening with internal bleeding. Men aged between 65 and 75 who smoke and drink, are at greater risk and must undergo this test once in a year. For non-smokers, your doctors may discuss if you need to undergo this medical test or not.

5. Prediabetes and Diabetes Test

   If you are overweight, are suffering from any heart disorder or high blood pressure, you must undergo a medical test to check type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a dangerous disorder, with serious complications and can be best prevented or managed with timely tests. This test is one of the crucial tests men should never ignore. Depending on your risk factors, age and other health problems, your doctor may suggest the best test option for you.

   People with pre-diabetic conditions are likely to develop type one or type 2 diabetes within 10 years, especially if precautions are not taken. About 90% of world population is not aware that they are pre-diabetic and as a result they develop full blown diabetes in coming years. Therefore, it is a medical test, men should never ignore to detect the pre-diabetic results early and prevent it from converting into full blown diabetes.

6. Fecal Occult Blood Test

   This is another important medical test men should not ignore. It is the test to check blood present in stool which is not visible with eyes. This test is done with a chemical solution which is used to check the presence of blood in stool sample. It helps doctors to spot intestinal conditions like colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

7. Lung Cancer

   Lung cancer is becoming the leading cause of death across the world today. All the adults between 55 and 80 years with a smoking history or those who have quit smoking in past 15 years must get their lungs checked every year. This is also a critical medical test that men should never ignore. Screening of lung is done with low dose of computed tomography or an x-ray of the lung, depending on the physician’s advice.

8. Testicular Cancer Test

   Medical professionals recommend adolescents and adult men with or without symptoms to undergo a testicular cancer test. The medical test is also based on testicular self-examination, which can then be confirmed by the physician. It can help doctors to detect the testicular growth and advanced testicular cancer so that timely treatments can be started. Regardless of the stage of cancer, about 90% of diagnosed cases of testicular cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed on time. Hence, early detection is the key.

9. Colonoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy

   Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer at the lower portion of your intestines and more than 90% of the cases can be treated if it is diagnosed early. So, this medical test for men involves checking the colon health with the help of colonoscopy which is flexible tube with light and camera at the end. It is usually referred by the physician depending on the clinical problems and other risk factors. But it is important to report your problems to the doctor and undergo the test, if advised.

10. Skin Cancer Test

    Melanoma is a type of skin cancer with an increased mortality rate for men. One out of 33 men is diagnosed with melanoma cancer and hence, this is one medical test men should never ignore. You can undergo this test once in every year to prevent the complications associated with it. If you have a family history of skin cancer or spot any changes in your skin texture that looks cancerous, then discuss with your dermatologist and undergo a skin cancer test.

    These were some of the crucial and most important health tests men should never ignore to keep their health in optimal condition. Consult your doctor to know the best options for these tests.