Why Men's Health Screenings Shouldn't Be Ignored

Many men start thinking about their health once they reach 40ish. However, serious chronic health conditions can begin in your 20s, worsen in your 30s, and may threaten your life by age 40.

Dr. Kadie Leach is an experienced internal medicine physician serving metropolitan Washington, DC, from her office in Lanham, Maryland, for over 30 years. Dr. Leach is a primary care practitioner firmly committed to helping her patients live their healthiest lives. She is an expert in treating acute and chronic conditions and a strong advocate of preventive care.

Dr. Leach believes there are many advantages to coming in for your men’s health screenings.

Why do I need health screenings when I feel fine?

Simply put, routine screening exams are the foundation of preventive health.

Many chronic health conditions send out early warning signals that alert you to a potential problem. Screening exams offer a way to spot warning signs early enough to change course before you develop the disease.

For instance, routine blood pressure checks can indicate an upward trend that’s often reversible through altering your diet or exercise routine. On the other hand, once you’re diagnosed with hypertension, you’ll require treatment to prevent further damage to your arteries and heart.

If you delay treatment, hypertension significantly increases your risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, or another life-threatening complication, possibly requiring hospitalization, surgery, and long-term rehab.

Routine health screenings can provide information essential to preventing diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and many other serious illnesses.

At what age should you start men’s health screenings?

Dr. Leach typically recommends annual health exams for men 18 years of age and older. She may request a urinalysis, blood work, and other screening labs at that time to evaluate your current health status. This information also provides a baseline to which she can compare future labs.

Some cancer screenings and other tests are age specific or related to your history. For instance, guidelines suggest that men start prostate cancer screening at age 40. On the other hand, a screening colonoscopy is generally recommended by age 45. 

You may require cancer screening sooner if you have risk factors such as a family history of early colorectal cancer. Previous or current smokers should undergo lung cancer screening at age 50 or sooner.

What to expect during a men’s health exam

As part of a comprehensive men’s health evaluation, Dr. Leach typically reviews your personal and family medical history, asks about any health concerns you may have, and performs a physical exam.

Depending on your current health conditions and medications, Dr. Leach may suggest labs to review your response to treatment. Before ordering labs, she’ll explain their value and outline a plan for future screening tests.

During your visit, Dr. Leach also explains preventive health care and provides information about a nutritious diet, routine exercise, and other healthy habits. She makes further recommendations, if necessary, after she receives your lab results.

Take control of your future by scheduling a men’s health exam with Dr. Leach today. Call the office or request an appointment online.