Men’s Health Month: Take Charge of Your Health with Preventive Screening

June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preventive care and early detection. While many serious health conditions develop silently, today’s advanced imaging technology can identify potential concerns before symptoms appear—giving you and your healthcare provider valuable information to make informed decisions about your health.

At TRA Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW), we offer a variety of screening exams designed to help men proactively monitor their health and reduce the risk of serious disease.

Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, but when detected early, treatment options and outcomes improve significantly.

Low-Dose CT (LDCT) Lung Cancer Screening is a quick, non-invasive exam that looks for small lung nodules that may indicate early-stage lung cancer—often before symptoms develop. The scan uses a lower dose of radiation than a standard CT exam and can detect abnormalities that may not be visible on a chest X-ray.

Who should consider LDCT screening?

You may qualify if you:

• Are between 50 and 80 years old*
• Have a smoking history of 20 pack-years or more
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
• Have no symptoms of lung disease

*Age eligibility may vary depending on insurance coverage.

Importantly, finding a nodule does not automatically mean cancer. More than 95% of lung nodules detected during screening are non-cancerous and often related to previous infections or inflammation.

CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Heart disease often develops without warning signs. CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring helps assess your risk by measuring calcified plaque within the coronary arteries.

This fast, non-invasive CT scan produces a calcium score that helps your provider better understand your risk for coronary artery disease and future cardiac events. For many patients, the results provide reassurance; for others, they serve as an early warning that allows preventive action before a heart attack occurs.

Consider a calcium score if you:

• Are between 40 and 75 years old
• Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
• Have a history of smoking
• Have a family history of heart disease

The exam takes approximately 15 minutes, requires no injections or contrast, and can provide valuable information about your cardiovascular health.

Virtual Colonoscopy (CT Colonography)

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting both men and women, yet it is also one of the most preventable through regular screening.

CT Colonography, often called a Virtual Colonoscopy, is a minimally invasive imaging exam that evaluates the colon for polyps and cancer. Using advanced CT technology, radiologists can examine the entire colon without the need for sedation or traditional endoscopic procedures.

Virtual Colonoscopy may be particularly beneficial for patients who have had an incomplete or failed traditional colonoscopy.

Benefits include:

• Non-invasive screening
• No sedation required
• Detailed evaluation of the entire colon
• Ability to detect findings outside the colon that may require medical attention

As with traditional colonoscopy, bowel preparation is required before the exam.

DEXA Bone Density Screening

Many people think osteoporosis only affects women, but men are also at risk for age-related bone loss and fractures.

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan is the gold standard for measuring bone density and diagnosing osteoporosis. This quick, painless exam can help identify bone loss before a fracture occurs.

Why bone health matters for men:

• Bone density naturally decreases with age
• Osteoporosis-related fractures can significantly impact mobility and quality of life
• Early detection allows for treatment and lifestyle changes that may help preserve bone strength

A DEXA exam typically takes about 15 minutes and requires little to no preparation.

Abdominal Ultrasound (AAA Screening)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when a portion of the aorta—the body’s largest artery—becomes enlarged. Because AAAs often develop without symptoms, screening can be lifesaving.

An Abdominal Ultrasound is a simple, painless exam that evaluates the abdominal aorta for signs of aneurysm before it becomes a medical emergency.

Men may be at increased risk if they:

• Are age 65 or older
• Have a history of smoking
• Have a family history of aneurysms
• Have cardiovascular disease

Early detection allows providers to monitor aneurysms and intervene when necessary, significantly reducing the risk of rupture.

Vascular Health Screening: CT and Ultrasound Imaging

Healthy blood vessels are essential for maintaining circulation and reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Advanced CT and Ultrasound imaging can help evaluate vascular health by identifying:

• Narrowing or blockage of arteries
• Plaque buildup
• Aneurysms
• Circulation problems affecting the legs, neck, abdomen, or other areas of the body

For patients with cardiovascular risk factors—including smoking history, high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history of vascular disease—vascular imaging can provide important insights that support early intervention and preventive care.

Prioritize Your Health This Men’s Health Month

Many of the most serious health conditions affecting men develop silently, often without symptoms until they become advanced. Preventive imaging exams can help detect disease earlier, when treatment options are often more effective and outcomes are better.

Whether you’re concerned about your lungs, heart, bones, colon, or vascular health, the team at TRA Medical Imaging and Diagnostic Imaging Northwest is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care with advanced imaging technology. We also have a mens health quiz you can take to find the right health care needs for you! Check it out below:

This Men’s Health Month, take a proactive step toward protecting your future. Talk with your healthcare provider about which screening exams may be right for you.