Whether it’s due to masculine stereotyping that extols stoicism or a fear of receiving bad news, it is a well-established precept that men are much less likely to consult a GP than women. In fact, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, found that men are 32% less likely.

Even more concerning, a survey of 2,000 men commissioned by The Urology Foundation revealed that seven out of 10 men wouldn’t seek immediate medical advice if they found blood in their urine.

The importance of male health screening

Seeking immediate medical advice when you notice any new and unusual symptoms is always advised, but many serious health concerns are asymptomatic in the early stages when diagnosis will give you the best chance of a positive outcome.

Regular check-ups provide an opportunity to spot the early signs of diseases and conditions that the patient was not aware of, but our bespoke screening packages go beyond early detection to identify potential health risks before they develop into serious health concerns.

By addressing lifestyle factors, we focus on overall health and wellbeing optimisation. Unlike other private GP practices in London we offer C.Me Fit, a genetic diet, health and fitness package with access to more advanced genetic analysis than the standard DNA tests available online.

Our premium screening packages also encompass an exhaustive range of cutting-edge tests and examinations. Depending on your individual needs, this can include cardiovascular screening including your Q Risk Score, an exercise ECG, Echocardiogram, Coronary Calcium Scan, or Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening.

Depending on your results of these tests, we can then provide rapid access to our network of world-renowned consultants and other health specialists. We can arrange in person or virtual consultations with specialists and even same day appointments if required.

5 critical male health check to consider

  1. Prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Prostate cancer happens when cancer cells form in the tissue of the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system.

More than 10,000 men die from prostate cancer every year in the UK, but certain men are at higher risk of developing cancer. Our Well Man Medicals include PSA blood testing for patients 40 and above or younger if they have symptoms or a strong family history.

If indicated, we can refer a patient for a prostate MRI scan. This scan can help identify suspicious areas in the prostate if they have a raised prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level or abnormal prostate exam results.

  1. Diabetes screening

Diabetes is a common condition caused by too high levels of glucose, which can lead to significant damage if uncontrolled. Diabetes puts men at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, vision loss and other health issues. In the UK, the number of people with type 2 diabetes has nearly doubled in the last 15 years, and more than 2.4 million people are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Men are also almost twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as women and at a lower body mass index than women. This discrepancy is not totally understood, but it can give men a false sense of security.

We can arrange a HBA1c, a blood test of your average glucose levels over the last four months to look for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

  1. Cholesterol check

Before the onset of the menopause, men have a greater risk of high cholesterol than women. High cholesterol can lead to significant health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Men are at greater risk due to lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and smoking.

We offer more detailed analysis of cholesterol with a full lipid panel. This includes the Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test that measures the levels of lipoprotein (a) in the blood. Compared to a standard cholesterol test, this will give you more advanced insights into your risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of lipoprotein have been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular conditions like heart disease or stroke.

  1. Lung cancer screening

Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. However, if detected early and before it has spread it can usually be treated successfully.

Lung cancer screening in the form of low-dose CT scans to detect nodules in the chest is recommended for men who smoke or used to smoke. Typically, this will be advised for very heavy smokers over the age of 50, but we can discuss testing with men who are under 50 or have smoked sporadically.

We also offer the TruCheck Early Cancer Screening blood test. Ideal as part of an annual health check-up, this will help you understand whether you currently have cancer or not, and if you do – where tumours are located for rapid treatment.

  1. Bowel cancer screening

Fifty-five per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK occur in men compared to 45% in women, with excess belly fat a risk factor that tends to be more common in men.

Recent data released by Imperial College London’s cancer screening department revealed that a single screening test could reduce the chance of developing bowel cancer by 24%.

The gold standard for bowel screening is colonoscopy and we can refer you for testing.

Take action for your health

Men who take a proactive approach to their health by addressing symptoms early and undergoing male health screening give themselves the best chance at long-term wellbeing.

During your Well Man Medical, we perform a comprehensive range of health checks and screening tests, either as routine or bespoke depending on your individual risk factors. Depending on what is discovered during your medical, we can also refer you to leading specialists in London and across the country.

We are excited to introduce our Lifestyle Medicine Service at Chelsea Medics. This innovative approach focuses on how simple yet powerful changes to diet, movement, sleep, and stress management can transform your well-being. Research shows that 80% of chronic diseases predominantly heart and lung diseases, cancers, and diabetes can be prevented or improved through lifestyle changes. And for women going through menopause, lifestyle medicine offers significant relief from symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and mood swings-with studies indicating a 30% improvement in quality of life for women adopting tailored lifestyle interventions.

We’re also embracing the latest technology by integrating wearable device data- such as activity levels, heart rate and sleep patterns with your existing clinical data. This provides a comprehensive, real-time view of your health to deliver a more personalised, effective health plan.

To explore how lifestyle medicine can benefit you, book a consultation with Dr Jeni Ketheswaran who brings extensive expertise in this area.

To arrange your medical , call 020 3955 5444 or email [email protected].

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