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June is Men's Health Awareness Month and doctors say one of the easiest ways for men to start focusing on their health is to make an appointment for their annual physical to be screened for routine and preventive issues.
In the past, health conditions such as prostate cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and colon cancer may have been considered concerns for only older men. But new studies, along with updated screening techniques, are highlighting the need for men to check in regularly with their primary care physician to maintain good health throughout their lives.
"Previously, age 50 was sort of the magic number to come in and screen for prostate and colon cancers," said Jake Veigel, MD, a physician at Intermountain Health's LiVe Well Center. "But those age recommendations have changed and often, earlier is better, depending on your family history."
Regular blood work to monitor cholesterol levels should be conducted for men starting in their 20s, but screenings for prostate cancer depend on the patient's medical history.
Veigel said one of the biggest changes is new recommendations for colon cancer screening, which now should start at age 45, instead of 50.
"We have started to see colorectal cancer impacting people at younger ages, which is why it's so important to be screened starting at 45," Veigel said. "Everyone should at least know the signs and check with their doctor even if they aren't near the age yet."
In 2020, nearly 2,100 men between the ages of 20-49 died of colorectal cancer, which accounts for 17% of all cancer-related deaths for men in that age group. Colorectal cancer is slow to develop but can have symptoms such as abdominal pain and blood in the stool, Veigel noted.
"If we can condition ourselves to do yearly medical check-ups, and not be afraid to talk with our doctor about health concerns then these issues can be caught early," said Dr. Veigel.
Although he admitted this can be a tough sell for many men, Veigel said the stereotype of men not being proactive in their health screenings often seems to be accurate, but as men get older that should start to change.
While many men in their 20s and 30s still feel young enough to be invincible, Veigel said the benefit of being proactive with even the most basic health screenings can improve the quality and longevity of life.
"Being proactive about your health when you're younger can have major benefits down the line," Veigel said. "You don't want to wait until your retirement to start focusing on your health because in some cases the problems might be too late to fix."
Two of the major preventative screenings many people think of for men are prostate and colon cancer screenings, both of which Veigel said are extremely important.
However, he also said men need to think about their heart health — cholesterol, blood pressure and weight — and keep an eye on signs of diabetes.
Veigel also reminded everyone that vaccinations aren't just for children. Adults need to be caught up on pneumococcal, hepatitis, shingles, and of course, influenza vaccines.
There can be many barriers that prevent people from receiving preventive care, such as not having a primary care provider, living too far from providers, and cost, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
SelectHealth knows the importance of preventive care, so 100% of preventive care is covered for their members. Preventive services, such as colonoscopies, physical exams, cholesterol screenings and much more are fully covered to encourage members to make their health as a priority.
For more information on SelectHealth's preventive care services, visit: https://files.selecthealth.cloud/api/public/content/2204648_PreventiveCareServices_REV.pdf?v=d24d1ba0 or call Member Services at 800-538-5038.
"Yearly visits don't have to be long complicated, but it's also a time when men can speak honestly with their doctor about both their physical and mental health," Veigel said. "A physician is your healthcare teammate and can ensure you are getting the help you need."
