Screening Tests for Men

  • Health screening tests can find which health problems early?

     

    A. High blood pressure

     

    B. High cholesterol

     

    C. Colon cancer

     

    D. Prostate cancer

     

    E. All of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is all of the above. A health screen is a type of test that checks for health problems before any symptoms occur. It can find many health problems early, when they may be easier to treat. Even if you feel fine, you should see your health care provider regularly to learn about these tests.

  • Men under age 65 should have their blood pressure checked at least:

     

    A. Every 6 months

     

    B. Every year

     

    C. Every 2 years

     

    D. Every 5 years

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is every 2 years. If your blood pressure has been 120/80 or higher, or you are age 65 or older, have it checked every year. You may need blood pressure checks more often if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other health problems. Ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure tested.

  • Starting at age 35, men should have a cholesterol test every:

     

    A. 6 months

     

    B. Year

     

    C. 2 years

     

    D. 5 years

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is every 5 years. If you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease, you should start having your cholesterol tested at age 20. If the test shows that you have high cholesterol, your doctor can help you make healthy changes to bring those numbers down.

  • Starting at age 50, men should have screening for colon cancer:

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is true. There are several ways to screen for colon cancer including tests of your stool and tests that examine the inside of your colon. You may need this test earlier or more often if you have risk factors for colorectal cancer. After age 75, talk with your doctor about the benefits of having these tests.

  • Only women need to be screened for osteoporosis.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is false. Osteoporosis occurs when bones become fragile and can break easily. It's more common in women, but men can get it too. In some men, low testosterone leads to a loss of bone. All men over age 65 should discuss bone density screening with their doctor.

  • Those who should consider being tested for type 2 diabetes include:

     

    A. Overweight children who have other risk factors for diabetes

     

    B. Overweight adults with other risk factors for diabetes

     

    C. Adults over age 45

     

    D. Any of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is any of the above. Your doctor can test you for type 2 diabetes by checking your blood sugar level. You should have the test every three years if you are over 45. Your doctor may start sooner if you are overweight. Ask your doctor if you should have your blood sugar tested.

  • You may need a hearing test if you have:

     

    A. Ringing in the ears

     

    B. Trouble hearing in noisy areas

     

    C. Trouble understanding high-pitched voices

     

    D. Trouble telling the sound "s" from "th"

     

    E. Any of the above

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is any of the above. All of these can be signs of hearing loss due to aging. If you notice that you don't hear as well, or have trouble understanding what people say, ask your doctor about scheduling a hearing test.

  • All men over age 50 should have prostate cancer screenings.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is false. Not all experts agree about the value of using a PSA or other tests to screen for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about whether you should have a PSA test. If you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of PSA tests starting at age 45.

  • Men ages 65-75 who have smoked may need another test:

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer

    The correct answer is true. Men ages 65-75 who have a history of smoking may need to be tested for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This occurs when the vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs becomes swollen. An ultrasound can spot the vessel that may be in danger of bursting.