Men aren’t often proactive in taking care of their health needs and the women in their lives may be the ones who push them to get the medical care they require. But if you’re a Black man and want to stay healthy, it’s imperative that you take charge of your health and get an annual physical and the recommended screenings. In doing so, it can make a huge difference in your longevity and good health.
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Here are five health tests every Black man needs:
According to the Journal of Urology, Black men have the highest rate of prostate cancer and are less likely to survive this disease compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Black men are twice as likely to die versus their white counterparts. But prostate cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You can have access to an early diagnosis through PSA screening, which can help you lower your risk of prostate cancer and reduce your chances of losing your life to this disease.
Since the risk is higher for Black men, prostate cancer screening is something that should be done sooner rather than later. According to Dr. Fleming of Virginia Oncology Associates, providers must know that Black men should begin screening at age 40 for early detection.
According to LCMC Health, heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black Americans. While we are only 13 percent of the population, we are twice as likely to die from heart disease.
Black men are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease versus non-Hispanic white males. Since men, on average, die 10 years younger than women, it’s important to take heart tests so you can know your risk factors.
One way to do so is by taking your blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 115 over 70. If your blood pressure is above 130/80, it is a red flag that something is wrong. You can take this test at home.
Home readings are often considered more reliable. The second test you should take is for cholesterol levels. This test will measure your blood fats and blood sugar and determine your good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides.
You can also perform a tape measure test. This test can be a better indicator of your risk than what you see when you weigh yourself on a scale. If you are 40 inches or more around your waist, this is a risk factor for heart disease. Starting your heart tests at age 18 is important because heart disease is the leading cause of death for young men, other than auto accidents and being shot.
The statistics are staggering regarding diabetes and hypertension. Nearly 15 percent of Black Americans 20 years or older have diabetes, and we are 1.5 times more likely to contract diabetes versus whites. Forty-two percent of Black men suffer from hypertension, according to the CDC, and since 36 percent of Black men are obese, this increases your risk for both diseases.
Make sure your body mass index (BMI) is calculated from your height and weight to determine obesity. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a BMI between 18.5 and 25 is considered normal. If you are a smoker, don’t exercise, and have a BMI over 30, this places you at higher risk for diabetes and hypertension.
If your blood pressure is greater than 135 over 80, this could also be a sign of diabetes. Tests for diabetes may include a hemoglobin A1C blood test, a fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). If you take a single test, this can be sufficient in diagnosing diabetes. However, a second test is also conducted to confirm your glucose levels are abnormal.
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You should always be aware of any abnormalities relating to your testicles. Testicular cancer usually affects men between the ages of 15 and 40.
Having this test performed by your physician and knowing how to perform it yourself are critical to noticing any changes in symptoms. While the risk of testicular cancer is small after 40, the risk of prostate cancer increases after the age of 50.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Make sure that when you hit 45 years of age (or earlier if you have a family history), you are screened for colorectal (colon) cancer.
Your doctor may have you tested earlier if it runs in your family. This painless procedure only takes 15 to 20 minutes. But this test can be a critical one in detecting colon cancer early when it is treatable. This screening allows your doctor to find and remove precancerous growths before they become malignant.
Being smart and proactive about your health care can save your life. Taking proper precautions and receiving the right health screenings will put you on the path to a healthier, longer life. Don’t delay doing what’s needed to keep you at your best!
Your health is in your hands. For Black men, being proactive about routine screenings and knowing your numbers can help catch serious health problems before they become harder to treat. Don’t wait until you have symptoms or someone you love urges you to see a doctor. Make your annual physical a priority, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your family history and risk factors, and ask which screenings are right for you based on your age and health.
Taking charge of your health isn’t just about living longer—it’s about being there for the people and moments that matter most. Know your numbers, get your screenings, speak up about changes in your body, and make your health a priority today—not someday.
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