What if you could do just one quick thing to improve your health? Staying healthy and feeling good about taking care of yourself is as easy as making one call. Just schedule a yearly exam with your doctor.

That one doctor visit is packed with good health protection. You’ll get a physical exam and:

• Your health stats and medicines will be tracked.
• You’ll get any needed shots to protect you from illness.
• Your doctor will perform and/or recommend any screenings you may need. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says two of the top causes of death in men are heart disease and cancer. Regular doctor visits and recommended screenings can help protect you against those and other risks. Screenings help catch problems early, when they can be more successfully treated. Learn more about the screenings you may need at different ages.  

Men tend to pay less attention to their health and visit the doctor less often than women, says Harvard Medical School.  Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups.

Heart Health

Without a regular exam, you’ll miss out on vital tests like blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Those tests can help protect your heart.

Not getting screenings also means men are less likely to find out if they have heart damage called myocardial scars, caused from a silent heart attack. One study found that most people who had myocardial scarring didn’t know it. And men were five times more likely to have the scarring than women.

Silent heart attacks make up 45 percent of heart attacks. These heart attacks are mistaken for less serious problems, raising the chance of dying.

Cancer

The cancers that most often affect men are skin, prostate, colon and lung cancers. Doing what you can to prevent them — or find them early when they are easier to treat — can help you lead a longer, healthier life.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer  is the most common kind of cancer. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are common and are often easily treatable. Melanoma is a more dangerous type of skin cancer that is likely to grow and spread. Successful treatment is more likely if skin cancer is caught early. Protect your skin and keep an eye on any changes. Your annual exam is a good time to report any new spots or changes in moles that concern you.

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men. But when to get screened for it isn’t an easy decision. If you’re between the ages of 55 and 69, talk to your doctor during your annual exam about what prostate cancer screening choice is right for you.

Colon Cancer
Cancers of the colon and rectum are called colorectal cancer.  Most start as a growth, or polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Some change into cancer over time, but not all polyps become cancer. Screening can catch this cancer early when it’s most easily treated. In fact, screening may even prevent colon cancer because it finds polyps before they’re cancerous. Screening is recommended if you’re between 45 and 75 years old. You can talk to your doctor about how often to get screened during your annual exam.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer  is a leading cause of cancer death in men. Smoking causes most lung cancers, but nonsmokers can also develop it. Lung cancer screening can have risks. So lung cancer screening  is recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age. If you smoke now or used to and are over 50, talk to your doctor about lung cancer screening.

Prevention

Screening is important, but prevention is better. To lower your risk for heart disease, all kinds of cancer and other health issues:

• Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels.
• Avoid all forms of tobacco and protect your lungs from environmental hazards.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Eat healthy foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.
• Keep moving with regular exercise.
• Learn techniques to manage stress.
• Avoid or limit alcohol.
• Take steps to protect your skin.
• Get enough good quality sleep.
• Know your family health history.
• Get regular checkups.

Do It for You

Calling your doctor for that annual exam means you can cover the health care that matters most all at once. It doesn’t take much time or a lot of effort. But the payoff is big.

Sources: Men’s Health,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023; Men’s Health,  Harvard Medical School; The danger of “silent” heart attacks,  Harvard Medical School, 2020; Cancer Facts for Men,  American Cancer Society, 2023; Strategies to prevent heart disease,  Mayo Clinic, 2022