Preventive care for men
Learn how to prevent prostate cancer and about other preventive screenings for men, especially after age 50.
Overview
Blue Cross talks about men’s health, including preventive screenings to reduce risk of prostate cancer and other diseases. If you’re a man with health concerns or are age 50 or older, schedule an appointment with a doctor today.
How often should men go to the doctor for a preventive checkup?
The decision to visit a doctor depends on age and health risk:
- Healthy men: Visit a doctor every three to five years
- Young men with a family history, medical condition or high-risk lifestyle: Visit a doctor annually
- Men age 50 and older: Visit a doctor every one to two years, or more often if you’re managing a chronic health condition
What happens at a men’s preventive check-up?
You will be checked for height, weight and blood pressure and be asked these types of questions:
- Do you smoke?
- What are your exercise and eating habits?
- What is your stress level?
- Do you practice safe sex?
- Do you use alcohol to excess?
- Do you have a family history of heart disease, colon cancer, prostate cancer or other disease?
Preventive screenings for men
As men age, it becomes even more important to see a doctor regularly for the following tests:
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Colonoscopy
Preventive Care Resources
It’s important to understand what’s medically recommended and what your specific plan covers. Use these resources to research. Find additional details in your benefit booklet.
More about preventive care
Prostate cancer
What is the prostate and who is at risk of prostate cancer?
The prostate is a gland that wraps around the male urethra, downstream from the bladder. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and is often treated successfully. Your doctor will first evaluate your risk of prostate cancer before deciding whether to do a blood test.
Factors that put you at greater risk of prostate cancer include:
- Age/Gender: You are a male 50 years or older
- Family history: Your father or brother had prostate cancer
- Race/Ethnicity: You are African American
If you’re at risk, your doctor may order a blood test to check the prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in your blood stream. Your PSA level depends on your age; a normal PSA level for a 70-year-old male will be higher than the PSA level in a younger male.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Your doctor may recommend follow-up, depending on your PSA results. Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly, so your doctor may want to monitor you. Other types of prostate cancer can be more aggressive. Your doctor may discuss treatment, such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or other options.
What are some ways to prevent prostate cancer and other diseases?
To stay healthy, it’s wise for men to avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. It’s also important to practice safe sex and to schedule regular preventive check-ups as you age.