Screenings for Men

Preventative Care

Men, Take Charge of Your Health

Men often have the stats of their favorite sports teams memorized, but their own health stats are the most important numbers they need to know. That’s why all men should schedule an annual exam at least once a year.

At your wellness check-up, your provider will take your Foundational 4 numbers: body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose readings. Depending on your age and medical history, they may recommend additional testing to help you stay ahead of potential health issues.

Prostate cancer screenings

Screening at regular intervals can help identify whether an individual has prostate cancer, and if it may cause harm if left untreated. Men who identify their prostate cancer early can have the best outcomes, which is an important reason to consider screening on a regular basis. All men can be screened for prostate cancer depending on their individual risk factors. The time when you may benefit from screening varies by age. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer may need to start their screening in their 40s. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most common way for men to screen for prostate cancer on a regular basis. To get screened, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or urologist. The Wellstar Prostate Health Program evaluates people with a higher risk for prostate cancer, offering a personalized approach and multidisciplinary care.
 

Colorectal cancer screenings

As part of a preventative testing program, men should also get regular colorectal cancer screenings, which are often performed with a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that, patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their provider.

Lung cancer screenings

Wellstar’s lung cancer screening program is a national leader in early detection. Our low-dose CT scans help detect early-stage lung cancer when it is often easier to treat than later-stage cancers. Screening is recommended for people who are most likely to develop lung cancer. This may include current and past smokers and those exposed to harmful, cancer-causing agents, including radon, arsenic, asbestos, diesel fuels, silica and Agent Orange. Statistically, men have a higher chance of developing lung cancer in their lifetime than women. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men. There are pros and cons to screening, so speak with your provider about starting a screening program.