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“Movember” is associated with growing a mustache, but it also encourages men to take preventive actions and protect their health. This blog highlights three important screenings that can provide peace of mind and help you age healthfully.
Each fall, social media feeds begin filling up with photos of mustaches as part of the “Movember” celebration. The event, which began in 2003, was intended to celebrate facial hair while also encouraging men to focus on their health, especially their prostate.
Whether you plan on growing a mustache or not, one thing is certain: preventive healthcare is the most effective way to catch potential health problems early, when they’re easiest to treat.
Concierge medicine physician Oswaldo "Ozzie" A. Grenardo, MD, MBA, MSHA, FAAFP, at OG Health in Greenwood Village, Colorado, specializes in men’s healthcare. Here, he highlights three common preventive screenings that all men can benefit from.
1. Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancer affects the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, and is the second most common type of cancer in American men. The disease usually develops in middle age, but rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, making routine screening important.
While any man can develop prostate cancer, it’s most common in older African American men and those with a family history. Even so, the American Cancer Society recommends all men receive a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and/or a digital rectal exam at age 50. These tests can help identify prostate cancer before it spreads, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.
2. Cholesterol and blood pressure screening
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in American men. However, the underlying causes, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol, often develop without symptoms. The risk is even higher if you have a family history of heart disease or have been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition like diabetes or obesity.
Simple in-office screens, like a lipid panel (cholesterol test) or blood pressure test, can determine if you’re at risk of heart disease and help guide treatment. Healthy lifestyle changes are equally important. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. Talking with your doctor about your bowel health may seem embarrassing, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone poops, and a healthy digestive system is key to a long and healthy life.
The most common screening for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, but thanks to technological advances, there are now alternative options, like Cologuard®. This test lets you screen at home without any of the unpleasant preparation. Another option is fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), which examines a stool sample for blood.
Dr. Ozzie encourages all men 45 and older to discuss colorectal screening with their doctor, typically once every 10 years. Doing so is relatively quick, and the peace of mind is worth it.
Schedule your men’s health screening today
Preventive screenings can seem daunting, but they’re one of the most effective ways to stay healthy and reduce your risk of common age-related health problems. If you’d like to schedule a cancer screening or another similar test, contact us by calling 303-625-7976 or booking your appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are also available.