Men are statistically less likely than women to seek preventive medical care. Delayed care often leads to more advanced disease for men, including higher rates of heart disease, cancers, bone fractures, and shorter lifespans.
A growing body of research and clinical experience shows that targeted medical imaging studies, like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, can help identify health concerns earlier, often before symptoms appear and when treatment or other preventive measures can be most effective.
“In the United States, men die on average five years earlier than women,” says Taylor J. Stone, MD, a board-certified radiologist at Charlotte Radiology. “Preventive screenings can play a critical role in changing these outcomes by detecting disease earlier so management strategies or effective treatments can be prescribed, saving more lives.”
What Does it Mean to Prioritize Preventive Men’s Health?
Preventive men’s health means taking steps to stay well, before problems start or symptoms progress. This includes regular health screenings, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, advanced imaging exams allow for effective health monitoring and early identification of issues.
The Men’s Health Screenings You Need to Know
These key examinations enable healthcare professionals to offer tailored evaluations and recommendations, helping men take control of their health and leading to better treatment outcomes and quality of life. By prioritizing prevention, men can identify health issues early and adopt healthier habits.
Prostate Cancer Screening with Multiparametric Prostate MRI (mpMRI)
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has changed how doctors detect and treat prostate cancer. It is not used as a primary cancer screening imaging examination, like mammography to detect breast cancer in women, but plays a role with other clinical and laboratory screening exams.
mpMRI provides detailed images of the prostate gland, helping doctors find and pinpoint suspicious areas that may signal cancer through a scoring system called PI-RADS. This imaging is particularly useful for men with previous negative biopsies who still have concerns about their health, as well as for guiding targeted biopsies.
By combining mpMRI with other tests, doctors can more accurately detect serious cases of prostate cancer, enhancing diagnosis while complementing traditional screenings, like PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams. Advanced tools like mpMRI are crucial for early detection and can significantly improve outcomes in men’s health. Regular screenings can help save lives by catching treatable prostate cancer early. treatable prostate cancer early.
Lung Cancer Screening with Low-Dose CT (LDCT)
Many adults diagnosed with lung cancer (nearly half) find out they have cancer at a late stage, making it harder to treat. When lung cancer is found early, it is very treatable and survivorship more than doubles. Annual LDCT screening is important for early detection, especially since lung cancer may not show symptoms — like a cough, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss — until later stages. While lung cancer screening is simple and safe, fewer than 20% of eligible patients get screened.
Men are eligible for annual LDCT lung cancer screenings if they:
- Are 50 to 80 years old
- Currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years
- Have a 20 pack-years smoking history or more
Low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is a scan that evaluates the lungs for signs of cancer that may not be visible on a standard chest X-ray. CT lung cancer screenings are quick, painless, and safe. Visits typically last 15-30 minutes. Results are sent to you and your physician so you can discuss any next steps. Most insurances cover annual LDCT screenings for those who are eligible.
Take the Quiz: Put Your Lung Cancer Knowledge to the Test
Cardiovascular Screening with Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men in the United States. One helpful tool to assess heart health is called coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. This test uses a specialized CT scan to measure calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries, which can be a sign of heart disease.
Guidelines recommend this test for men between the ages of 40 and 75 who have any of the following risk factors:
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
A score of zero indicates a low risk of heart issues, which might allow men to avoid medications such as statins. On the other hand, a score of 300 or higher means it’s probably important to take action on heart health.
“The CAC scoring test is quick, taking less than 15 minutes per visit, and involves no contrast injection, while delivering low radiation,” Dr. Stone explains. “Understanding your CAC score can help you and your doctor make decisions about maintaining cardiovascular health and any next steps like further testing or treatment.”
Insurance typically doesn’t cover the calcium scoring test. Most people pay out of pocket for what is typically considered an affordable self-pay rate.
Bone Mineral Density Screening with DEXA Scan
Osteoporosis, a ‘silent’ bone condition that reflects structurally weaker bones creating fracture risk, is often missed in men, even though they make up about one-third of all hip fracture cases. These fractures can lead to higher health risks and even death within a year due to the subsequent prolonged immobility. That’s why early detection is vital.
A DEXA scan, or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry scan, is a simple and safe X-ray exam that measures bone density in the spine, hip, and forearm. It assigns a score indicating whether bones are healthy, at risk, or weak.
“When used together with special AI software and advanced risk assessment tools, including trabecular bone score (TBS), DEXA scan results help inform whether a patient needs medicine to lower their risk of bone fracture,” says Dr. Stone. “This helps prevent serious health problems as patients age.”
Doctors recommend DEXA scans for all men aged 70 and older, as well as younger men (ages 50-69) with risk factors like long-term steroid use or a history of fractures. This test is low-radiation, easy to find, and usually covered by insurance. By using DEXA results alongside other tools, doctors can recommend treatments to help prevent fractures, leading to healthier lives for men.
Cardiovascular Screening With Ultrasound
A carotid vascular ultrasound is a simple, safe and quick exam that looks for plaque buildup and narrowing in the carotid arteries, which can lead to strokes. Sometimes doctors measure the thickness of the arterial wall to assess heart health, though this is not always recommended for everyone.
Another condition vascular ultrasound can detect is abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). An AAA is a dangerous swelling in the aorta that often shows no symptoms until things escalate. Screening can help reduce the risk of dying from AAA by about 45%. The recommendation is for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked to get this screening. Vascular ultrasound is quick, painless, requires no preparation, and carries no radiation exposure.
Generally, the carotid ultrasound test is recommended for men with specific symptoms, such as unusual sounds in their neck or a history of mini strokes. Routine, non-invasive screenings are recommended for high-risk populations, typically older adults with a history of tobacco use, and those with specific cardiovascular risk factors.
A vascular ultrasound screening typically requires a formal physician order. Insurance may cover a portion of the cost, but coverage details will depend on your plan.
Charlotte Radiology: Your Partner in Preventive Men’s Health Screenings
Talk to your doctor about important preventive imaging services for men at your next well-visit. Be sure to review your medical history, any symptoms you are experiencing, or any concerns you may have about potential risk factors. Regular check-ups can catch issues early and keep you healthy.
- Screenings can find health problems before they become serious.
- If you have questions about which tests you need, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.
- Knowing more through screening can lead to more effective treatment options and better preventive health choices.
Remember, discussing your health and getting screened can make a big difference in your quality of life and overall health outcomes. Take charge of your health today!
