Scans for Men – What Every Guy Needs to Know

Are there any warning signs or symptoms men should watch out for that may require getting a scan immediately?

Think of these as your body’s “check vehicle engine” light before the long “balik kampung” journey. If you notice sudden, crushing chest pain or unexplained shortness of breath, that could be your heart. A sudden, severe headache — especially if it’s the worst you’ve ever had — could point to a bleed in the brain. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body? Stroke, until proven, is otherwise Act F.A.S.T (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services). Blood in your urine, stool, or semen? That’s your cue to get checked now, not next week. Add in unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent abdominal pain — these can be signs of cancers or other serious illnesses that need imaging immediately. If you notice these, you don’t “wait and see.” You get scanned.

How do scans help detect health problems early, even if there are no symptoms?

The tricky thing about men’s health is that many of the deadliest conditions — prostate cancer, abdominal aneurysms, early lung cancer — are silent. Imaging acts like a radar system at the airport traffic controller (ATC). It can spot problems while they’re still small and fixable. A CT scan can reveal a tiny lung nodule before it turns aggressive and spreads. An ultrasound can catch an abdominal aneurysm before it bursts. An MRI can show early prostate changes before you ever feel urinary symptoms. Early detection doesn’t just save lives — it can save you from major surgery or unbearable medical expenses.

At what age should men start thinking about getting health scans on a regular basis?

There’s no one guide fits all for every guy, but as a rule of thumb:

1. 20s–30s: Imaging is usually symptom-based unless you have a strong family history of disease or genetic risk.
2. 40s: Start talking to your doctor about baseline checks if you have risk factors — high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoker, or family history of cancer or heart disease.
3. 50s and above: This is when preventive scanning ramps up for most men. Even if you feel fine, it’s worth discussing lung, prostate, and heart imaging with your doctor.

What types of scans are commonly recommended for men as they get older?

1. Prostate MRI – Detects tumours and maps regional cancer location without invasive biopsy in some cases.
2. Low-dose chest CT – For smokers or former smokers over 50; can cut lung cancer deaths by finding disease early well before cancer metastasizes.
3. Abdominal ultrasound – Checks for aneurysms, liver disease, kidney stones, and more.
4. Cardiac CT or echocardiogram – Looks for blocked arteries or weak heart muscle.
5. Bone density scan (DEXA) – Osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s issue; men lose bone too, especially after 60 or with long-term steroid use.

How often should they do these scans?

The timeline depends on your health profile. Your health screening doctor should be able to personalise a plan for you.

1. Prostate MRI – Every 1–2 years if at higher risk; otherwise, only if symptoms or Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) changes appear.
2. Low-dose chest CT – Annually for eligible smokers/former smokers.
3. Abdominal aorta ultrasound – Once for most men 65–75 who’ve ever smoked.
4. Heart scans – As advised based on blood pressure, cholesterol, and family history.

Can you explain what each of these scans look for?

1. Prostate MRI – Detects suspicious growths, tracks changes over time, and guides biopsies.
2. CT scans – Cross-sectional scans that spot tumours, infections, blood clots, and internal injuries.
3. Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to detect blockages, cysts, tumours, and organ enlargement.
4. MRI (brain/spine) – Offering detailed look at nerves, discs, and blood flow. Great for strokes, tumours, and injuries.

Some men worry about radiation or discomfort during scans. How safe are these procedures, and what can they expect during scan?

A scan is generally considered safer than many everyday activities including driving a car or crossing the road. It is understandable to be worried about something which we know nothing about.

1. CT scans utilise radiation; however, the benefits far outweigh the risks when scans are really needed for diagnosis. Without proper diagnosis, your doctor will not be able to treat you accurately. Utilisation of contrast dye during CT adds more depth and value to imaging.
2. MRI – Absolutely zero radiation but can be noisy and cause a bit claustrophobia; some centres offer wider scanners and music to help you relax. Most scans take less than an hour.
3. Ultrasound– Completely safe and painless. “The worst part is lying still,” one patient joked. “I’ve had worse time waiting in line at the bank.”

What’s your advice for men who avoid check-ups and scans because they “feel fine” or afraid of the results?

I feel this is the biggest barrier which requires a mindset change for betterment of personal health. Men are so used to think that no symptoms mean no disease. This is far from the truth. Do not wait till it’s too late. It’s actually the opposite for many serious illnesses. Avoiding a scan because you’re afraid of bad news is like ignoring a leak on your roof because you’re scared it’ll need fixing — it only gets worse and repair costs will eventually bomb on you. Nipping it at the bud goes a long way in preventing that.