Dr Quah Say Chuan, Primary Care Doctor

1 June, 2023

Health Priorities in Married Men

Why is health screening important for married men?

As men age, they become more susceptible to various health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Regular health screening can help detect these conditions early, making treating and managing them easier. It is imperative for married men to be proactive about their health as they are often the breadwinners of their families, and their health issues can impact their ability to work and provide for their loved ones.

Although health priorities in married men should be individualized based on age, medical history, family history and other risk factors. For those apparently healthy married men, health screening should consist of comprehensive blood and urine test, ultrasound abdomen and pelvis, chest x-ray and some relevant diagnostic tests for early detection of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer, cardiovascular disease and common infectious diseases in the community.

Health screening for married men can be divided into 2 categories based on age although one mustn’t forget the importance of pre-marital health screening before marriage

Health screening for married men below 40

Health screening for married men below 40 should consist of comprehensive blood and urine test which include tumour markers, chest x-ray, stress test, ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis, bone mineral density test, oxidative stress test and further diagnostic tests which include fibroscan, CT scan, CIMT, angiogram, MRI scan if the needs arise.

Married men below 40 are relatively healthy and the purpose of health screening is more toward primary and secondary prevention. Primary prevention includes those measures that prevent the onset of illness before the disease process begins. Immunization against infectious diseases is a good example. Secondary prevention includes those measures that lead to early diagnosis and prompt treatment of a disease

Health screening for married men above 40

We are expecting more prevalence of non-communicable diseases in these age groups so health screening should focus more on early detection of disease, and with appropriate treatment given, to prevent the progression of disease, to alleviate symptoms and to prevent subsequent disability after initial clinical diagnosis (Tertiary prevention)

In order to achieve this, health screening in these age groups should consist of comprehensive blood and urine test including tumour markers, chest x-ray, calcium score, CIMT (carotid intima-media thickness for stroke risk assessment), ultrasound of abdomen and pelvis, bone mineral density test, uroflow, oxidative stress test, ankle-brachial index (to check for peripheral artery disease) and further diagnostic tests which include coronary CT angiogram, CT scan, MRI scan, fibroscan, gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

In conclusion, health screening is an important part of maintaining good health and preventing chronic illnesses for married men. By getting screened regularly, preferably annually, they can detect and manage health issues early, leading to better health outcomes.

The tests mentioned above are recommended for all married men, but they should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate screening schedule based on their individual health needs. Remember, taking care of your health is not only essential for yourself but also for your family and loved ones.

Dear men, it's time to prioritise your health and make your well-being a top concern for a longer and healthier life. Remember, when you're healthy, you're happier!