International Men's Health Week is on and its all about highlighting the health issues faced by the males. The week starting from June 10 to June 16, 2019, is dedicated to all kinds of physical, mental, and social well-being, experienced by men. Did you know that men are more at risk of various health issues than women? From over 15 major causes of death, men lead women in all of them except Alzheimer's disease. That too because men do not live enough to get the disease. Studies suggest that men die five years earlier than their wives and amongst many reasons, men's approach to their health has an important role to play.

Why Screening Tests Important?

Diagnosis is the key to better treatment of any health condition. Opting for screening tests at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health. Sometimes regular tests can detect symptoms of different health conditions even before the symptoms show up. Early diagnosis results in early detection of major conditions, such as cancer and it then becomes easier to nip it at the bud. For example: Diagnosing diabetes early may help prevent issues such as vision loss and impotence.

Prostate Cancer

For obvious reasons, men are at risk of Prostate cancer and regularly screen themselves to reduce the risk of developing diseases. Amongst men, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. This slow-growing cancer yet aggressive type of prostate cancer can really be helped by early screening tests. You may also be able to get rid of the disease sometimes even before symptoms develop.

Testicular Cancer

Cancer affecting the testicles of the man is another condition to which men are more prone to. The sperm-producing reproductive glands can develop cancer in men of 20 and 54 of age. Experts always recommend that all men have a testicular exam when they see a doctor for a routine physical, especially men with a family history or an undescended testicle.

Colorectal Cancer

Men have a slightly higher risk of suffering from Colorectal cancer than women also, it is the second most common cause of death from cancer.  Slowly developing from colon polyps, colon cancer detected earlier have better chances of recovering. Also, it is too late cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Skin Cancer

Did you know older men are more at risk of developing skin cancer, even more than women? The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma and older men are twice as likely to develop melanoma as women of the same age. Early detection can help combat the condition better.

Depression

Most men ignore mental health, in fact, never take it as a part of their overall health. About six million men suffer from depression each year, and many of these men are under-diagnosed and under-treated. Look for symptoms like change in appetite or sleeping patterns and feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, etc. and get yourself screened from a professional.

Cardiovascular Diseases

It is strange but men's arteries develop atherosclerosis earlier than women's and that makes men more at the risk of cardiovascular disorder.  As per WebMD, "Men's average age for death from cardiovascular disease is under 65 and that women catch up about six years later." It is advised that men get their cholesterol checked regularly after the age of 25.

It is very important for meant to get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked after 25 because they are more at the risk of such conditions. Control your alcohol intake and stop smoking.  Increase your physical activity level and opt for a healthy lifestyle.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2019 05:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).