July is men's health month

While this month normally, and very importantly, focuses on prostate and testicular cancer, other medical conditions also need to be highlighted.

Men are notorious for not going to the doctor when they ought to. A survey conducted in the UK in 2005 suggested that men develop attitudes that do not help foster their health. They give priority to work and have a self image that encourages denial of illness. They do not like to discuss their health and fear the consequences of illness more than women do. In this day and age, safe rather than sorry has never been more relevant and men need to be aware of the difference tests and check lists they need to keep an eye on.

Cholesterol Checks: Have your cholesterol checked at least every 5 years, starting at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, start having your cholesterol checked at age 20.

Blood Pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years and more often if the readings are above normal.

Diabetes Tests: Have a test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, at least every three years or at your doctor's discretion.

Erection Difficulties: Erectile dysfunction (ED), which is defined as the inability to achieve and sustain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse, can affect over 52% of men over the age of 40. When erectile dysfunction proves to be a pattern or a persistent problem, it can interfere with a man's self-image as well as his and his partner's sexual life. Erectile dysfunction can also be a sign of a physical or emotional problem that requires attention. In fact, the presence of ED could indicate early stage coronary artery or heart disease. Only 15% of men with ED refer themselves for medical help. See www.36-hours-of-freedom.co.za for more information about ED.

Depression: If you have felt "down," sad, or hopeless, and have felt little interest or pleasure in doing things for two weeks straight, talk to your doctor about whether he or she can screen you for depression.

Sexually Transmitted Infections: Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and HIV.
Colonoscopy: This test is an outpatient procedure and is the most accurate screening for colon cancer. It is suggested for men over the age of 50 every ten years or more often for those with a family history of colon polyps. A yearly stool test (called the Fecal Occult Blood Test or FOBT) is also recommended in men over age 50 (blood found in stool sample could indicate colorectal cancer).

Skin Cancer: A yearly appointment with a dermatologist is recommended to detect precancerous and cancerous skin growths. People with a family history or personal history of skin cancer or excessive sun exposure can be particularly at risk.

Eye tests: A glaucoma test is recommended in men over the age of 60 and measures eye pressure and eye health. Men with family history, nearsightedness, diabetes or the black population is at an increased risk and should speak to their doctor about being tested at a younger age.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – Blood is drawn and tested for high PSA levels, a substance produced by the prostate. High levels may be a sign of prostate inflammation or cancer. A digital rectal examination (DRE) is when the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check for any prostate lumps or abnormalities. These tests for prostate cancer are especially vital in men over the age of 50 on an annual basis, or from an earlier age in men with a family history of prostrate cancer.

Testicular Cancer: Consult your doctor if you notice a painless lump or swelling, an enlargement or change in the way the testicles feel, or discomfort in a testicle of scrotum. With early detection, the treatment can be less aggressive with fewer side effects. Testicular cancer is known as a young man's disease and most commonly occurs in men between 15 and 40 years of age.

Local Urologist Dr David Smart says that men need to be encouraged by their partners or family to have regular check-ups. “There are several potential benefits – if men understand that erection problems often reflect underlying narrowing of blood vessels – being checked when they first begin to have erection difficulties can often result in identifying a potentially more serious underlying problem with the arteries. Treatment at an early stage can prevent a possible future heart attack or stroke. Likewise, a man's lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is about 1 in 12, but despite this fact, the majority of men diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer will not die from the disease. A simple annual check-up combining a blood test and a physical examination will often detect prostate cancer several years before any symptoms appear,” Dr Smart says.

In terms of lifestyle factors, men are urged to limit alcohol consumption to less than two drinks per day to help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, to limit caffeine intake, including coffee, tea and soft drinks, to no more than four servings per day and to not smoke. Men who quit smoking between the ages of 35 to 39 could add an average of five years to their lives. Men also need to eat a balanced diet, avoid carrying extra weight, stay physically active and manage stress effectively.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about which of these tests listed are needed or right for you, when you should have them, and how often.