Make Time for These Annual Exams
No matter your age, you should schedule a few key appointments each year in order to stay connected with your care team and on top of your health.
-
Wellness Exam
Sometimes referred to as an annual checkup, a wellness exam can typically be conducted by your primary care provider. This appointment allows you to talk to your provider about any changes in symptoms or health conditions, new concerns or goals. Your provider will also check your cardiac and fertility health and recommend age-based screenings.
-
Dermatology Exam
At your yearly visit with your dermatologist, your doctor will examine your skin closely from head to toe for signs of discoloration or abnormal growths. They may take a skin sample to test suspicious moles or spots. This appointment is also an opportunity to mention any changes in your skin or discuss the best sun protection methods.
Strategies and Screenings to Prevent Disease
Taking a proactive approach to health care is the best way for men to avoid major health issues — and catch them early when they’re most treatable. Staying up-to-date on your age-specific screenings and immunizations is a smart way to care for your long-term wellness.
Immunizations
Certain vaccinations, including the flu shot, COVID-19 boosters and shingles vaccines, are available and easy to get at your annual wellness exam or nearby AdventHealth Express Care at Walgreens location. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about which immunizations may be right for you based on your age and health history.
Colorectal Cancer
When diagnosed early, colon cancer is more than 90% curable. For men with an average risk of colon cancer, colorectal screenings should start at 45 — now earlier than the previously recommended age of 50.
A gastroenterologist may perform colorectal cancer screening tests, including yearly stool-based tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years, and colonoscopies every 10 years.
Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or have certain conditions, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Prostate Cancer
Affecting 1 in 8 men, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Americans. Screenings are more important now than ever. Prostate screenings typically begin at age 45 if you have a high risk of prostate cancer, or at 50 if your risk is average.
Types of prostate screenings include:
- Bloodwork, including a lipid panel or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- Digital rectal exams (DRE)
- Imaging tests
One of our expert urologists will work with you to understand which prostate screening test is best for you.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, and in most cases it doesn’t show symptoms until the more advanced stages. Experts recommend lung screenings for anyone considered high-risk, meaning they:
- Are age 50 or older
- Are a smoker or have quit within the last 15 years
- Have smoked one pack of cigarettes per day for at least 20 years or two packs a day for at least 10 years
Speak with your doctor right away if you are experiencing shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or have any other persistent chest symptoms.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
If you currently smoke or were previously a smoker, it is recommended to begin screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm at age 65. Though most cases of AAA cause no symptoms, pain in the abdomen or back may occur if the aneurysm becomes large. AAA screenings are also beneficial to prevent potential aneurysm ruptures.
Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss if an AAA screening is right for you. And call your doctor right away if you are experiencing lingering abdominal or back pain.
Nationally Recognized Expertise
We’re proud to maintain the high standards of safety and care that you deserve.
Nationally Recognized for Patient Safety, Quality and Transparency
The Leapfrog Group has exclusively recognized AdventHealth with the Emerald Award for remarkable achievements and leadership in patient safety, quality and transparency by a health care system, including maintaining a culture of excellence throughout all levels of the organization. Delivering consistent, high-quality, whole-person care is our priority, and we’re honored to be the first health care system to earn this award.
The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Grade "A"
Our local hospitals are recognized among America’s highest-rated hospitals for patient safety by The Leapfrog Group. We're committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and care.
AdventHealth Carrollwood
AdventHealth Dade City
AdventHealth Lake Wales
AdventHealth North Pinellas
AdventHealth Ocala
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel
AdventHealth Zephyrhills
Take Charge of Your Health Today
Routine men’s health screenings can provide peace of mind and help ensure you can be there for the ones you love for years to come. Our experts are dedicated to providing a seamless health care experience focusing on health, wellness, hospitality and convenience.
Or call us at 800-305-1739.