PSA Test: People in India do not get tested easily, even if they have a disease. Talking about regular testing is meaningless. But doctors warn that every man should get a PSA test done once after crossing 40 so that serious and life-threatening diseases can be detected on time. Heart disease remains the biggest cause of death in India, while diabetes cases are also found here, the most in the world. In the year 2023 itself, more than 14 lakh cancer cases were registered in the country. Recently, former US President Joe Biden has been confirmed to have prostate cancer, which has again brought the issue into discussion as to which tests should be done every year by men who have crossed 40. In the news of India Today, Dr. Monica Kumbhat of Newberg Diagnostics says that there are some important tests which every man should get done regularly so that the disease can be identified at an early stage and treatment can be done in time. 

PSA test for prostate cancer
Annual health checkups should start with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test can catch early signs of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide and in India too, 33,000 to 42,000 new cases are reported every year. This gland is located below the bladder, and its symptoms often do not appear in the initial stages. After this, a regular blood pressure check is equally important. High blood pressure is a 'silent killer' that can cause heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It should be checked every six months.

Heart checkup
Lipid profile test and blood sugar test are also very important. With increasing age, cholesterol and sugar levels start fluctuating. Lipid profile gives information about total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. At the same time, blood sugar or HbA1c test helps in detecting diabetes or pre-diabetes. Both these conditions increase the risk of heart disease and are often asymptomatic.

Bone tests are also important.

Liver and kidney function tests are also important every year, especially for men who drink alcohol, suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes, or are taking medicines for a long time. Routine blood and urine tests reveal the functioning of these organs.

Colon cancer screening after 50

Colon cancer screening also becomes necessary after the age of 50, especially if there is a family history of it. Abdominal ultrasound can also be done every year to find out the condition of the liver, kidneys, and prostate.

DEXA scan

Bone density test (DEXA scan) is also recommended for bone strength. Usually, it is considered a problem of women, but after 40, bones start weakening in men as well. Especially men who smoke, take steroids, or are underweight should get this test done.

Hormone testing
In some men, testosterone levels decrease with age, which can lead to problems like fatigue, mood swings, and decreased sexual desire. If there are such symptoms, hormone levels can be tested. At the same time, genetic factors can also be responsible for diseases like cancer. Research has shown that men who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Those who have a family history of prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer should consider genetic testing.

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