June is National Men’s Health Month, a reminder for men to pay attention to their health and schedule a check-up. It probably comes as no surprise that only 40% of men go to the doctor even when there is something is wrong. The numbers are even higher for older men.

I know many men write off health problems as a normal part of aging, but no matter what you believe about your health, or what is holding you back, take charge and see your doctor, especially if you’re older than 55.

Here are the most common health conditions that men face and the tests you should have regularly to catch problems early:

#1 – Heart disease

One in five men dies from heart disease before the age of 75. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to your heart — leading to a heart attack. Other types of heart disease include congestive heart failure and arrhythmias.

Tests you need

• Your doctor will likely order lab work to test your cholesterol levels. Screening frequency depends on your age and general health. Based on the results and other indicators, your doctor may order additional tests to visualize the heart and its main vessels.
• Also, smokers need to have a chest X-ray at least once a year to screen for cancer and heart disease. For smokers who have smoked a pack a day or more for five years or more, should have an ultrasound of the aorta to check for an aneurism – a deadly condition.

#2 – High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, if untreated, increases your risk of serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes, but it rarely has noticeable symptoms. High blood pressure forces your heart to work harder to pump blood to the rest of your body. This causes the left ventricle to thicken and enlarge, which increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure. High blood pressure also damages your arteries by making them less elastic, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart and leads to heart disease.

Tests you need

• Having your blood pressure checked regularly is key to monitoring for hypertension.

#3 – Colorectal cancer

Doctors diagnose most cases of colorectal cancer in people older than 55. Age is the biggest risk factor. Other risk factors include heredity, diets heavy in red meat, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise and alcohol.

Colorectal cancer usually starts as tiny growths called polyps in the colon or rectum lining. While polyps are not cancer, some can become cancerous over time, so doctors generally remove them during a colonoscopy.

Tests you need

• Colon cancer can be aggressive, so early detection is critical. Men should have a colonoscopy every 10 years after age 50, or if a fecal test is positive, every 3-5 years. Men should start having fecal blood tests starting at age 50. It’s a simple test you can do at home and mail in to a lab. No one really wants to go through the prep for a colonoscopy, but it’s a small price to pay when it comes to detecting cancer. Colorectal cancer caught early can usually be successfully treated. If you wait, it could be too late.

#4 – Diabetes

There are about 20 million people with diabetes who don’t know it, because it can be completely asymptomatic early on. Diabetes is a condition in which your body struggles to regulate sugar levels in your blood. This can result in serious complications such as vision loss, kidney issues and nerve damage. Without proper management, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness, the need for dialysis and even amputations due to numbness and wounds that won’t heal.

Tests you need

• Your doctor may do a finger prick to check a drop of blood to check your blood sugar level. Although this is just a snapshot in time, if it’s high, it may indicate the need for a blood test called a hemoglobin A1c in order to determine if you are at risk for diabetes. The test measures your average blood sugar levels over the preceding three months. If you have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels, or diabetes runs in your family, get checked at least once a year.

#5 – Prostate issues

As men grow older, their prostate gland becomes vulnerable to a number of conditions, ranging from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, and most cases of this condition are found in men aged 65 or older. Additionally, more than 90% of men over age 80 have an enlarged prostate.

Tests you need

• To screen for prostate cancer, your doctor will likely order a lab test called a PSA. The test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, therefore, it may require a physical exam of the prostate so your doctor can feel for lumps, swelling and firmness.

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