Prostate to Diabetes: Vital Health Tests Every UAE Man Should Take at 50

Reaching 50 is more than just a birthday. As much as we don’t want to admit, it’s a wake-up call to tune into your health. And, as men age, the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer naturally increases, making regular health screenings absolutely vital. This message has been brought into sharper focus recently, following US. President Joe Biden’s announcement about his own prostate cancer diagnosis, sparking conversations about men prioritising screenings, especially for prostate health.

For instance, turning 50 wasn’t so frightening for Dubai-based Matt Hutley, a businessman. He didn’t think there was anything ‘different’ that he had to do, as compared to his forties or even thirties. “I’m healthy. Fit. I work out often. But I never did tests. I never saw the need for them,” he recalls.

And he would calm his wife down, who would always insist on doing tests. “I finally did, and found that I was at the risk of hypertension,” he says. That started worrying him, and he worked harder on his health and fitness, without taking it for granted, just because he ‘seemed’ fine.

So, if you’re wondering what tests to take after the age of 50, experts have some advice.

The essential heath screening to prioritise: Prostate to cardiovascular risks

Every man who reaches 40 years old ought to undergo an essential blood examination known as the PSA test. This acronym stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. According to Amgad Farouk, a Consultant Urologist at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, this serves as a biomarker for the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer continues to be one of the most prevalent types among men, particularly after they reach 50 years old, where timely identification becomes vital. Alongside the PSA test, your physician may suggest a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) — this involves a brief physical assessment to detect any abnormalities within the prostate gland. Although some males find it somewhat unsettling, the process is swift and notably can be lifesaving. Adam Roberts, who resides in Dubai, shares how an early discovery through such examinations was pivotal for him: "The significance of these discussions escalates further when there’s familial history involved with prostate cancer."

Furthermore, Farouk cautions that prostate cancer does not present distinctive signs and its indications closely resemble those of benign prostatic hyperplasia. "This makes the screening test or the PSA blood test crucial for prompt detection and timely intervention in cases of prostate cancer," he explains. He adds, "Annual PSA testing should commence at the age of 40 to ensure early identification and treatment of any potential malignancies."

Cardiovascular health

The most terrifying aspect of heart disease is that it frequently presents no signs until the critical moment arrives. Additionally, hypertension can persist for years without causing any noticeable changes in how you feel," explains Sibesh Mittal, a cardiologist based in Abu Dhabi.

Regular monitoring is non-negotiable.

Start with:

· Blood pressure measurements (minimum of once per year)

· Lipid profile to assess cholesterol levels ( LDL, HDL, triglycerides )

· Electrocardiograms (ECG) or stress tests if you're at high risk or having symptoms

· Early detection allows for changes in diet, exercise, and possibly medication — all of which can dramatically reduce your long-term risk.

Colon Cancer: The Life-Saving Colonoscopy Procedure

Devesh Singh, a Dubai-based doctor strongly recommends, "People often avoid numerous tests simply because they find the idea unsettling. However, consider this: that fleeting unease could truly be lifesaving. Therefore, go ahead and have those tests conducted."

As he points out, colorectal cancer ranks among the most preventable types of cancer when identified promptly. This is precisely what a colonoscopy accomplishes. Individuals should undergo this examination starting at age 50, or sooner if there's a familial link to the disease. During the procedure, doctors can find and eliminate polyps before they turn malignant. Early detection through these screenings greatly enhances survival chances.

Diabetes screening: Fasting glucose test and HbA1c level

The likelihood of you getting type 2 diabetes goes up as you get older, especially if unhealthy eating habits or insufficient exercise feature in your way of life, according to Singh. "Managing diabetes effectively requires addressing numerous contributing elements," he stresses. He also warns against taking this condition lightly.

A fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test can provide significant insights into your body’s handling of sugar. Identifying raised levels at an earlier stage allows you the opportunity to reverse prediabetes or control diabetes before it causes lasting issues.

At this stage of life, routine screening becomes critical. Two key tests help doctors assess glucose metabolism:

Fasting blood glucose test : Checks blood glucose following an overnight fast. Elevated readings could suggest insulin resistance.
HbA1c test Shows your overall blood sugar levels from the last two to three months, giving you an extended perspective on how well your glucose is managed.

These tests aren’t merely figures on a graph," says Dr. Singh. "They provide insight into your metabolic well-being. Detecting issues at an early stage offers you a precious chance—namely, the ability to revert prediabetes by making straightforward adjustments such as enhancing your eating habits, maintaining consistent physical activity, and shedding pounds.

Left unchecked, diabetes can silently damage nerves, kidneys, the heart, and eyes. But when caught early, it can be controlled, and even prevented with timely intervention. “Think of it this way,” Singh adds. “Knowing your numbers gives you power. It puts you in control, before the condition controls you.”

Bone health: The DEXA Scan

Aside from monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining bone health becomes increasingly important as you reach age 50, particularly for men who believe osteoporosis only affects women. Men over 50 also begin to lose bone density, especially those who smoke, consume alcohol excessively, or have used steroid medications. A DEXA scan evaluates the resilience of bones and the likelihood of fractures. Early detection allows for interventions such as altering diet, taking supplements, or engaging in weight-bearing exercise to safeguard one's bone integrity.

Lung cancer screening: Utilizing low-dose CT scans for smokers

If you're a present or past smoker, pay attention to your respiratory system. A low-radiation dose computed tomography scan can identify lung cancer at its initial phases, making treatments far more successful. This minimally invasive procedure might just be crucial for those with considerable tobacco use history.

Sight and sound: Keep them keen

Changes in eyesight and hearing are common with age. But regular eye exams can detect early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, and hearing tests can uncover loss before it affects your daily life. Addressing these early helps maintain your independence, confidence, and even cognitive health.