Proactive health screening is a pivotal aspect of maintaining well-being. However, men may overlook this, thinking they’re fine. In this article, we’ll show just why health screening is important for men, what conditions men should be wary of and what they need to know when going for a health screening in Singapore.
Early detection of diseases
Have you ever heard the phrase, “A stitch in time saves nine?” This old adage holds especially true when it comes to our health. Catching diseases early can significantly impact not only our healthcare costs but also our overall health.
Early detection of diseases offers the following benefits:
- Best chance of cure
- Prevention of progression of chronic diseases
- Reduction in the need for expensive treatments
- Clarification of the effectiveness of proposed treatments
- Better outcomes
Prevention and risk reduction
Health screenings are an effective way to identify potential risks and take preventive measures. But what does this prevention and risk reduction look like in real life?
It starts with a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
- A healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Abstinence from tobacco products
- Limited alcohol consumption
- Adequate sleep
- Considering psychological conditions
Routine health screenings are also important, as they can aid in early detection of potential diseases, the administration of vaccines, and the maintenance of good health. This leads to appropriate preventative steps and more effective treatments.
What do men need to get screened for?
There are some common conditions that men, along with women, should be tested for, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Obesity
- Colorectal cancer
- Heart disease
In addition to these conditions, however, men should pay particular attention to their prostate and colorectal health, which we will share more about below.
Prostate health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Singapore*. You should consider regular screenings for prostate health especially if you are above 50 years of age and have a family history of prostate cancer diagnosed below 60 years of age. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, bone pain, loss of weight and tiredness. However most usually do not have symptoms during the early stages.
Regular screenings include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams. These help to assess prostate health and detect any potential threats early. Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chance of curing the condition or ameliorating its worst effects. Our doctors can discuss with you which is the most suitable method of screening for you. * In 2017-2021, Singapore Cancer Registry Annual Report 2021
Colorectal cancer screening
To check for colorectal cancer, you can undergo the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), which can detect small presence of blood in the stool. This is useful because the bleeding from colorectal polyps and cancers may not be visible to the naked eye. For average risk individuals who are 50 years and above, it is recommended to undergo testing with two. FIT kits to collect two stool samples. The reason for this is that two samples provide more accurate results than one.
If you have other risk factors which may place you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer (e.g. family members with colorectal cancer, personal history of colorectal polyps), please speak to your doctor to find out which is the best screening method for you.
Testicular cancer screening
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, occurring predominantly in males aged 20-40 years old. During testicular cancer screening, a doctor will examine your testicles for any abnormalities. A crucial part of this screening process is also self-examination where you routinely look for any lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape of your testicles. If any abnormality is detected, further investigation, such as ultrasounds and blood tests may be conducted, and we will coordinate your care with specialists. Our doctors are ready to share advice on this.
What happens after a health screening?
At most clinics, once you’re done with your health screening, the presiding doctor will provide you some tips and, if your results warrant it, a referral to a specialist.
At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, though, we prioritise a holistic approach where our doctor will not only provide a comprehensive management plan and, if necessary, we will coordinate referrals with specialists. Our health coaches will also provide in-depth steps you can take to improve your health. These include:
- Mental health exercises
- Weight management exercises
- Exercise plans
- Nutrition guide
- Sleep and rest advice
When is health screening recommended for men?
Health screenings aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. They need to be customised to each individual’s age, family history, and lifestyle factors. Most individuals begin their health screening journey in their 20s or 30s. You may need to be more proactive about going for health tests if you have a:
- A medical condition
- Family history of certain diseases
- Lifestyle that predisposes you to diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Cost of health screening for men
A health screening is a commitment to your health. That being said, each individual’s needs can vary, and the costs differ based on the exact tests necessary. At Lifestyle Medical Clinic, we’ve different packages ranging from our basic LMC Lite package, which covers the basics like diabetes and cholesterol , to our comprehensiveLMC 360 Male package, which settles all the important tests a man needs, from nutrition and heart health to thyroid function.
| LITE | DELUXE (Cancer Screening) | LIFESTYLE (Heart Health) | 360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical assessmentBlood pressureBMIBlood investigationsFull blood countPeripheral blood filmErythrocyte sedimentation rateLipid profileFasting glucoseKidney functionLiver functionUric acidUrine analysisUrine microalbumin/creatinine ratioUFEMEPost screening review with physicianScreening fee: $48 | Clinical assessmentBlood pressureBMIBlood investigationsFull blood countPeripheral blood filmErythrocyte sedimentation rateLipid profileDiabetes screeningFasting glucoseHbA1cKidney functionLiver functionBone and joint screenCalciumPhosphateVitamin DUric AcidRheumatoid factorThyroid functionHepatitis A and B screenHS-CRPTumour markersAFP (liver)CEA (colon)CA19-9 (pancreas)For males: PSAFor females: CA125Urine analysisUrine microalbumin/creatinine ratioUFEMEStool occult bloodPost screening review with physicianScreening fee: $259 | Specialised assessmentsBody composition analysis with Bioimpedance analyserLifestyle review with health coachDietitian/nutritionist consultationSitting Rising Test (SRT)Ankle Branchial Index (ABI)Clinical assessmentClinical examination and medical consultationBlood investigationsFull blood countPeripheral blood filmErythrocyte sedimentation rateExtended lipid and cardiac risk profileDiabetes screeningFasting glucoseHbA1cFasting insulinKidney functionLiver functionNutrition profileIronB12Folic acidMagnesiumBone and joint screenCalciumPhosphateVitamin DUric AcidRheumatoid factorThyroid functionHepatitis A and B screenHS-CRPTumour markersAFP (liver)CEA (colon)CA19-9 (pancreas)For males: PSAFor females: CA125Post screening review with physicianScreening fee: $670 | Specialised assessmentsBody composition analysis with Bioimpedance analyserLifestyle review with health coachDietitian/nutritionist consultationSitting Rising Test (SRT)Ankle Branchial Index (ABI)Clinical assessmentClinical examination and medical consultationBlood investigationsFull blood countPeripheral blood filmErythrocyte sedimentation rateExtended lipid and cardiac risk profileDiabetes screeningFasting glucoseHbA1cFasting insulinKidney functionLiver functionNutrition profileIronB12Folic acidMagnesiumBone and joint screenCalciumPhosphateVitamin DUric AcidRheumatoid factorThyroid functionHepatitis A and B screenHS-CRPTumour markersAFP (liver)CEA (colon)CA19-9 (pancreas)For males: PSAFor females: CA125Post screening review with physicianScreening fee: $670 |