What to include in a complete health check for a 50-something guy?

[Dominique]

I'm a guy in his 50's, in good general health (don't take any medication), normal weight (current BMI: 22.5), relatively fit (can run a semi-marathon). I had my cholesterol checked last Summer and everything (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) was perfect, blood pressure was OK as well. If I were to see a doctor for a complete health check, what biomarkers should I ask to be included, in order to detect possible hormone, vitamin etc. deficiencies? I'm especially interested in age-related items (bone density etc.).

[Lydaj]

Don't forget your PSA.  Prostate Cancer statistics are identical to Breast Cancer.  There are no symtoms until the cancer has progressed too far for meaningful treatment.   

[Dominique]

@Lydaj: good point, had forgotten about this one!

[whome]

@Dominique - Remember, most prostate cancers grow so slowly that they are not fatal, the patient dies of something else. Here is a link to the Wikipedia article  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate-specific_antigen   . I have heard the question phrased as not if we will get prostate cancer but if we will die of something else first - BTW I am 60+ years old. 

Wow, the article is below this reply as I compose it. Will find out is a second if it carries over to the post.

Edit: And it made it!

[_daniel_]

I would ask to have your testosterone level checked. But, I would think if you simply put your question to your doctor he will already know all the tests that you should consider, and be happy to discuss them with you.  At least that's what my doctor is like. 

[Lydaj]

30,000 men die from Prostate Cancer every year.  It is a horrible death.  Not all prostate cancers need to be be treated but it is certainly worth being tested and having the results reviewed by a qualified urologist with a reputation for not overtreating.

[Nick17]

Not a biomarker check, but at age 50, it's time to get your first colonoscopy if you haven't had one yet.  Alot of folks are afraid to have them done (myself included), but all I remember from it was being knocked out, and waking up and asking my wife if it was done.

[TandemWalker]

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@Nick17 wrote:

Not a biomarker check, but at age 50, it's time to get your first colonoscopy if you haven't had one yet.  Alot of folks are afraid to have them done (myself included), but all I remember from it was being knocked out, and waking up and asking my wife if it was done.

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I've had about 6 of those colonoscopies and they're really not that big a deal. Over and done with within 15 minutes or so.

    TW     

[gerrymcd]

Hi,

You might want to talk to your doctor about PSA testing. Simple stuff can impact the results, for example

• prolonged exercise, such as long-distance running or cycling – this may raise PSA for up to 48 hours
• ejaculation – this may raise PSA for up to 48–72 hours.
• infections

[rightdx]

Even if you've always had good eyes, it's a good idea to get periodic checkups. You may detect problems before they can cause damage (e.g. glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)