Men see a doctor less often than women and tend to come later, when a problem has had time to grow. This screening is built around the risks that matter most for men: the heart and circulation, the prostate, hormones, metabolism and lifestyle. It ends with a confidential consultation and a clear plan of action.
What the screening looks at
- Heart and circulation: blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol and an estimate of your risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next ten years
- Metabolism: blood sugar and HbA1c for diabetes, weight, waist and liver function
- Prostate: a discussion of urinary symptoms and of the PSA blood test, so that you can decide whether to have it
- Hormones: testosterone, where your symptoms suggest it would be useful, and thyroid function
- Lifestyle: sleep, alcohol, smoking, exercise, stress and mood
- The things men do not raise: erection problems, low libido, a testicular lump, a change in bowel habit
About the PSA test
PSA is a protein made by the prostate, and a raised level can be an early sign of prostate cancer. It can also be raised by a large but harmless prostate, an infection, recent exercise or sex, and some cancers do not raise it at all. A raised result can lead to further tests that turn out not to have been needed, so the doctor explains what the test can and cannot tell you before you choose. Black men, and men whose father or brother had prostate cancer, are at higher risk and may want to consider testing from an earlier age.
What happens
The appointment begins with a conversation about your health, your family history and anything on your mind. Measurements and blood samples are taken, and further checks are added where your history points to them. When the results are in, the clinician goes through them with you one by one and you agree a plan: what is fine, what to change, what to repeat and what, if anything, needs treatment or a referral.
Preparing
You may be asked to fast before the blood sample. For a PSA test, avoid vigorous exercise, cycling and ejaculation for 48 hours beforehand. Bring a list of your medicines and what you know about heart disease, diabetes and cancer in your family.
Do not wait for a screening with these
Chest pain or pressure on exertion, blood in your urine or semen, a lump in a testicle, black or bloody stools, or unexplained weight loss. Book a GP appointment, or call 999 for chest pain that does not settle.
Common questions
How old should I be? There is no set age. From 40 the heart and diabetes checks become more useful; a family history is a reason to come earlier.
Is it confidential? Yes. Results go to you and to nobody else without your consent.
Is this the same as a general health screen? It overlaps. See health screens for the general version, and blood tests if you want a single test.
