by Jacqueline Trovato

Created on: July 08, 2009

Most men only go to the doctor when they believe something is wrong. They will religiously schedule maintenance on their car or truck, but not for themselves. This can be is a prescription for disaster, or even death as evidenced by the premature death last week of pitchman Billy Mays. Regular medical exams can detect potentially deadly health issues before it's too late

The following is a list of the most important medical exams most men should have on a regular basis.

Testicular Exam

Testicular cancer is the most treatable type of cancer and is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Early detection is essential. During the exam, a doctor examines the groin and genitals for signs of swelling or lumps. Man should receive a testicular exam as part of their annual physical exam. They should conduct self-exams on a monthly basis, looking for any changes in the size or weight of the testicles.

Digital Rectal Exam

Men older than 50 and younger men with a family history of prostate cancer should receive a digital rectal exam as part of their annual physical exam. With a lubricated, gloved finger, the doctor will feel for any lumps or abnormalities on the prostate and will gently press on the abdomen to feel for irregularities in the surrounding organs.

Men of African decent are more susceptible to prostate cancer. Not only can the exam detect prostate cancer at an early stage, it can also reveal a myriad of other conditions, like colorectal cancer, prostatitis and hemorrhoids.

Skin Cancer Screening

Skin is the body's largest organ and skin cancer is one of this disease's most common forms. Risk factors include having a fair complexion, having a large number of moles or having undergone prolonged and repeated sun exposure. Men of all ages should inspect their skin on a monthly basis. They should look for changes in the appearance of moles, especially on areas that are often exposed to the sun. If a mole has changed shape or color or if new moles develop that look irregular a visit to a dermatologist is necessary. Men should also schedule yearly visits with a dermatologist if they are in a high-risk category or have already had skin cancer.

Cholesterol Test

Every man over the age of 20 should be tested every five years or more often if he has a family history of high cholesterol, and nowadays, many do. Many men are only diagnosed with high cholesterol after they've had a heart attack or stroke. But this is preventable by getting regular blood tests. A total cholesterol test is relatively simple. Blood is drawn and analyzed. The cholesterol test will indicate whether cholesterol is high or low. If the reading comes back on the high side, a more detailed analysis of cholesterol and triglyceride (bad fat) levels will be conducted along with a lipoprotein test. It's essential to find out exactly what amount of LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) is being carried in the blood.

Eye Exam

It's important for all men to get their eyes checked regularly. Along with detecting basic vision abnormalities or glaucoma, a visual exam can indicate possible hypertension or diabetes. An optometrist will gauge the internal health of the eyes, their fluid pressure, visual acuity, peripheral vision, and retinal health. All men should receive an eye examination every one to two years.

Just do it!

Be a man! Don't wait for the occurrence of symptoms to make a doctor appointment. Get regular health exams once a year, to live longer and be stronger.

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