Men’s Health Month: Which Preventive Screening Is Right for You?

Most men know they should take better care of their health—but figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.

Heart disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis, vascular disease, abdominal aneurysms, and colorectal cancer often develop quietly, with few or no symptoms in their earliest stages. The good news? Many of these conditions can be detected early through preventive imaging screenings.

This Men’s Health Month,  Diagnostic Imaging Northwest is making it easier to take the first step.

Start with Our Men’s Health Service Finder

Not sure which screening exams may be right for you?

Our Men’s Health Service Finder is a quick online quiz designed to help identify imaging services that may be relevant based on your age, lifestyle, smoking history, family history, and overall health profile.

The quiz takes just a few minutes and can help you start a conversation with your healthcare provider about preventive care options that fit your individual needs.

Why Preventive Screening Matters

Many of the leading health concerns affecting men don’t cause symptoms until they’ve already progressed. Preventive imaging allows physicians to identify potential issues earlier, when treatment options are often more effective and outcomes may be better.

Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, screening exams can provide valuable insight into your current health and future risk.

Here are several imaging services available at TRA and DINW that may be recommended based on your personal risk factors.

For Current or Former Smokers: Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening (LDCT)

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death, but early detection can dramatically improve outcomes.

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening (LDCT) is a quick, non-invasive scan that can identify small lung nodules before symptoms develop. These nodules may represent early-stage lung cancer, allowing treatment to begin sooner.

You may qualify if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old
• Have a significant smoking history (20 pack-years or more)
• Currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years

Many patients are surprised to learn that most nodules found during screening are not cancerous. In fact, more than 95% are ultimately determined to be benign.

For Heart Health: CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Heart disease often develops silently over many years.

A CT Cardiac Calcium Score measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and provides a calcium score that helps estimate your risk of coronary artery disease.

This quick, non-invasive exam takes about 15 minutes and requires no injections or contrast.

You may benefit from a calcium score if you have:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• A smoking history
• A family history of heart disease

For some men, the results provide peace of mind. For others, they provide an early warning that helps guide preventive treatment decisions.

For Colon Cancer Screening: Virtual Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, yet it is also one of the most preventable.

CT Colonography, commonly called Virtual Colonoscopy, uses advanced CT imaging to evaluate the colon for polyps and cancer without the need for sedation.

Benefits include:

• Minimally invasive screening
• Detailed visualization of the colon
• No recovery time from sedation
• Ability to detect abnormalities outside the colon that may require further evaluation

Virtual Colonoscopy is often used when a traditional colonoscopy could not be completed, though screening recommendations should always be discussed with your provider.

For Bone Health: DEXA Bone Density Screening

Bone loss isn’t just a women’s health issue.

As men age, bone density naturally decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Unfortunately, many men are unaware they have weakened bones until a fracture occurs.

A DEXA scan is the most accurate method for measuring bone density and diagnosing osteoporosis.

The exam is:

• Fast
• Painless
• Non-invasive
• Completed in approximately 15 minutes

Knowing your bone health today can help protect your mobility and independence in the future.

For Men Over 65: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when part of the body’s main artery becomes enlarged.

Because aneurysms often develop without symptoms, screening can be critical—especially for men who have smoked.

An Abdominal Ultrasound for AAA screening can identify an aneurysm before it becomes a medical emergency.

Risk factors include:

• Age 65 or older
• Smoking history
• Family history of aneurysm
• Cardiovascular disease

The exam is simple, painless, and can potentially be lifesaving.

For Better Circulation and Vascular Health

Healthy arteries and blood vessels are essential for delivering oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

CT and Ultrasound imaging can evaluate vascular health by identifying:

• Plaque buildup
• Narrowed arteries
• Aneurysms
• Reduced blood flow

Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking history, elevated cholesterol, or a family history of vascular disease may benefit from vascular imaging as part of a comprehensive preventive health strategy.

Your Health. Your Future. Your Next Step.

The best screening exam is the one that matches your personal risk factors.

That’s why we created the Men’s Health Service Finder—to help connect you with the imaging services that may be most relevant to your health profile.

This Men’s Health Month, take a few minutes to learn more about your risks and explore the screening options available to you. Early detection can make all the difference.

Take the Men’s Health Service Finder quiz and start the conversation about your health today.