Many men in Anguilla, like in other countries, are reluctant to see their doctor for routine check-ups and screening tests. There are a number of medical disorders that do not have any symptoms and can only be detected by various screening tests. Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health.
Routine medical check-ups
The timing and frequency of medical check-ups will vary from one individual to another. Men should discuss with their doctor about timing of check-ups and screening tests available. Finding diseases in their early stages can make them easier to treat. Various screening tests will be based on your age and risk factors.
Screening tests
There are a number of diseases that have screening tests that have proven to be beneficial. Other tests are reserved for high risk individuals. It is important that your doctor is aware of your family’s medical history as well as your own when deciding about when to have screening tests.
Medical conditions of concern to men in Anguilla
Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prostate and colon cancer are some disorders that are of great concern to men in Anguilla. There are screening tests for these disorders and many other disorders affecting men.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancer found in men in Anguilla. In most cases prostate cancer tends to be a slow-growing cancer, but there are also aggressive, fast-growing types of prostate cancer. Screening tests can find the disease early, sometimes before symptoms develop, when treatments are most effective.
Screenings for healthy men may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and possibly a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. There is some controversy regarding timing and frequency of this tests. I advise all men to talk with a doctor about the risks and possible benefits of the PSA test.
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Many men in Anguilla have high blood pressure and they do not know it as the disorder might not have any symptoms. High blood pressure can lead to severe complications without any prior symptoms. High blood pressure can be treated. When it is, you may reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
Blood pressure readings give two numbers. The first (systolic) is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats. The second (diastolic) is the pressure between beats. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, and in between those two is prehypertension — a major milestone on the road to high blood pressure. How often blood pressure should be checked depends on how high it is and what other risk factors you have.
Testicular cancer
This uncommon cancer develops in a man’s testicles, the reproductive glands that produce sperm. Most cases occur between ages 20 and 54. I strongly recommend that all men have a testicular exam when they see a doctor for a routine physical. Men at higher risk (a family history or an undescended testicle) should talk with a doctor about additional screening.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is a common cause of death from cancer. Men have a slightly higher risk of developing it than women. The majority of colon cancers slowly develop from colon polyps: growths on the inner surface of the colon. The way to prevent colon cancer is to find and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
Screening tests for colon cancer usually begins at age 50 in average-risk adults. A colonoscopy is a common test for detecting polyps and colorectal cancer. A doctor views the entire colon using a flexible tube and a camera. Polyps can be removed at the time of the test. Other screenings tests are now available and should be discussed with your doctor.
Cholesterol and your health
A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood causes sticky plaque to build up in the walls of the arteries. This increases your risk of heart disease. Atherosclerosis — hardening and narrowing of the arteries — can progress without symptoms for many years. Over time it can lead to heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce this “bad” cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is important for men to know their cholesterol levels and they should have them done on a regular basis.
The fasting blood lipid profile is a blood test that tells the levels of total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides (blood fat). Your doctor will discuss with you how these results can affect your health. The results tell you and your doctor a lot about what you need to do to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus
Many men in Anguilla have diabetes mellitus and do not know it. A simple blood test can allow one to make the diagnosis, but many men fail to have this test. A fasting blood sugar test, glucose tolerance test, or an AIC all can be used alone or together to screen for diabetes.
If diabetes is diagnosed and correctly managed many of the complications can be prevented. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness from damage to the blood vessels of the retina, nerve damage, and impotence. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled and complications can be avoided with diet, exercise, weight loss, and medications. Talk to your doctor about testing for diabetes. If you have a higher risk, including high cholesterol or blood pressure, you may start testing at an early age and more frequently.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Despite many advances in the management of patients infected with HIV, this disorder continues to affect individuals in many countries including Anguilla.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is in the blood and other body secretions of infected individuals, even when there are no symptoms. It spreads from one person to another when these secretions come in contact with the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes, or a break in the skin. There is still no cure or vaccine. Modern treatments can keep HIV infection from becoming AIDS, but some of these medications can have serious side effects.
HIV-infected individuals can remain symptom-free for many years. The only way to know they are infected is with a series of blood tests. Sexually active men should have testing for HIV at regular intervals. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about testing.
Conclusion
All men are encouraged to have regular medical check-ups even if they are symptom free. Many conditions can be detected during a visit to the doctor and early treatment of these disorders can lead to improved health and disease prevention. A number of screening tests are now available in Anguilla that can also help in detecting a number of serious medical disorders including a number of cancers. Have a discussion with your doctor about these screening tests and their relevance to you.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
