Men's health requires consistent attention and preventive care. November is celebrated worldwide as Men's Health Month, also known as "Movember", encouraging men to pay more attention to their health, not to forget preventive screenings, and to notice possible health changes in time.

Prostate and testicular diseases may not cause any clear symptoms in their early stages, so preventive screenings are an important opportunity to pay attention to men's reproductive health. Timely screenings can help detect altered indicators and encourage seeing a doctor for a more thorough examination.

The preventive men's health screening program, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tests, is designed to assess two important men's health indicators. The PSA test provides information about the condition of the prostate, while the AFP can be one of the additional markers used to assess testicular tumors and other body changes.

The program is relevant for men of different ages, as it focuses on both prostate and testicular health.

What does this screening program help evaluate?

1. Prostate condition

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test helps evaluate the condition of the prostate and notice possible changes. Increased PSA concentration may be associated with benign prostatic enlargement, inflammation, or prostate cancer. The test is recommended for men over 40 years old, considering individual risk factors and doctor's recommendations.

2. Testicular tumor markers and possible tissue changes

The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test helps determine the concentration of this protein in the blood. Increased AFP levels may be associated with certain testicular tumors, especially non-seminomatous germ cell tumors. This indicator is relevant for young and working-age men, especially in the 15–40 age group.

What tests are performed?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells. A small amount of it in the blood is normal, but increased concentration may indicate prostate changes. PSA levels can increase due to benign prostatic enlargement, inflammation, infection, or prostate cancer.

The test helps evaluate the condition of the prostate, monitor its changes, and determine if further examination is needed. It's important to know that PSA concentration can change even before any symptoms appear.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)

AFP is a protein produced by the fetal liver and yolk sac, and it's usually found in very small amounts in the blood of adults. Increased AFP concentration can be associated with certain testicular germ cell tumors, as well as some liver diseases.

AFP is one of the important tumor markers used when testicular tumors are suspected, to assess the course of the disease, and to monitor treatment results. However, this test is not an independent method for diagnosing testicular cancer - a normal AFP result also does not exclude all testicular tumors.

Why choose this program?

• Focus on men's health - laboratory tests relevant to prostate and testicular health are combined in one program.
• Age-relevant prevention - tests provide an opportunity to address different men's health risks at both young and older ages.
• Opportunity to notice changes - tests can help detect altered indicators even before clear symptoms are felt.
• Timely attention to health - noticing deviations from the norm allows for timely consultation with a doctor and conducting necessary additional tests.

Caring for masculinity begins with caring for oneself. This November, commemorating "Movember", encourage yourself and the men around you not to forget prevention - as noticing health changes in time can make a significant difference.