Silent Killers: 3 Health Checks For Every Caribbean Man Over 30

In the Caribbean we have a unique trait; our men go unchecked for too long. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen men come to me at the end stage of disease, Heart attack, Prostate Cancer, Stroke.

The sad thing? these conditions can be prevented and at least delayed with proper lifestyle habits and early screening.

The 3 big killers of men are: Heart Attack, Cancer and Stroke, in that order.

So what should you be checking for? 

Let’s begin with the father of silent killers, hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure.

Having high blood pressure means your heart has to struggle to pump blood to your vital organs and it can only keep this up for so long. HTN is the leading cause of stroke.

From the age of 30, you should be checking your blood pressure at least once per year and more frequently if you are overweight, experience high levels of stress or have comorbidities. 

If your Blood Pressure is >120/80 then you should become concerned that you may be heading down the path toward HTN and its downstream effects which include; impotence, blindness, stroke, kidney failure and heart disease.

• Systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading (e.g., 120 in 120/80 mmHg). It represents the pressure exerted on your arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood out.

• Diastolic pressure is the bottom number (e.g., 80 in 120/80 mmHg). It reflects the pressure in your arteries when the heart relaxes and fills with blood between beats.

The earlier you seek and find, the better your chances of reducing the risks of these complications.

When last did you check your BP?

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Next up is screening for Diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is when your body is not able to utilise the sugar in your bloodstream effectively so this sugar attaches to your cells, blood vessels and organs and wreaks havoc.

Diabetes is one of the strongest risk factors for plaque build-up and heart attacks. It’s also the leading cause of non-traumatic foot amputations. These persons often struggle to get prosthetics and usually don’t return to a normal quality of life.

Not just because of the absence of a limb but because the lifestyle habits that resulted in uncontrolled diabetes usually persists. It shows a need for earlier intervention and support. 

What can you do?

Get a fasting blood sugar test or HbA1C done yearly, especially if you are overweight. YOUR goal should be to identify disease before symptoms manifest.

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Finally the dreaded demon: Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer KILLS more men than breast cancer kills women in the Caribbean. This is an alarming situation but why is this? It’s multifactorial. 

1. It’s a silent disease in the early stages and by the time it causes symptoms it has already advanced. 

2. Caribbean genetics mean a 60% increased risk of developing it and 2-3 times more likely to die from it. 

3. Late screening and cultural habits: men avoid or delay screening due to fear, stigma or misinformation. 

4. Finally improper medical follow-up by men due to fear, misinformation or mistrust. 

Prostate cancer is not deadly because it is aggressive but because it is ignored, undetected and underestimated. 

What should you do?

At age 45-50 you should have at least had a digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA blood test done, and earlier if you have a family history. If you have concerns about the DRE speak to your doctor to work out alternative options.

Most importantly, don’t wait until it’s too late and you are crippled by lower back pain from cancer spread or we have to insert a catheter in your penis (quite uncomfortable) because you cannot pass urine. 

“Man up” means showing up for your health and your family.

Prevention beats regret. Let’s MAN UP NOW.