Prophylactic examinations are conducted in healthy persons, to allow the detection of possible diseases as early as possible. They are performed in the whole population or only in the so - called

high - risk groups (eg, diabetes prevention or cancer).

Prophylaxis for men includes the following tests:

>  Prostate - Specific Antigen (PSA) test
>  glucose
>  Lipid Panel Test

PSA (Prostate - specific antigen)

PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells.

Increased levels of serum PSA can occur in prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammation of tissues of the urogenital system.

PSA Test is recommended for every men over the age of 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should perform the PSA Test before the age of 40.

Glucose

The normal blood glucose concentration is the result of many processes in our body. Insulin is the primary hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. It decreases blood glucose concentration.

Absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion by pancreatic cells is the cause of the increase of blood glucose concentration and leads to diabetes. One of the basic test for an early detection of this disease is the determination of fasting plasma glucose. For men over the age of 35, it is recommended to perform this test at least once a year.

Lipid Panel Test

Lipid test reflects the state of fat metabolism. Lipid Panel Test measures: Cholesterol Total, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides . The most widely recognized disorder is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood (Hypercholesterolemia), other commonly occurring is the presence of high levels of triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). The Lipid Panel Test is useful in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, therefore it is vital for men over the age of 30 to perform this the periodically. Changes in lipid levels are risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as: coronary artery disease, infraction of myocardial muscle, arterial hypertension, aortic aneurysm, stroke, acquired cardiac muscle valvular defects, peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the carotid artery, intermittent claudication).

See also:

Am I prone to atherosclerosis?

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

The Fecal Occult Blood Test is recommended for men over the age of 40. This test detects blood in the stool. Positive FOBT may indicate bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, which may be a symptom of colorectal cancer disease. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

See also:

Fecal occult blood