Men are statistically less likely to attend routine health appointments than women — yet cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and prostate cancer are among the leading causes of male morbidity and mortality in the UK. A well-man health check is designed to identify risk factors before symptoms develop, when intervention is most effective.[1]
At Victoria Medical, our well-man screen goes beyond the NHS Health Check by including a broader panel of investigations tailored to your age, family history, and lifestyle. Results are available within 24–48 hours and reviewed in a dedicated follow-up consultation.
What Is Included
| Category | Tests | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular | Lipid profile, HbA1c, blood pressure, resting ECG | Heart disease risk, cholesterol, diabetes, arrhythmias |
| Prostate | PSA (age 50+, or 45+ with family history) | Prostate cancer risk marker |
| Liver | ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, albumin | Fatty liver, alcohol-related damage, hepatitis |
| Kidney | eGFR, creatinine, urea, electrolytes | Chronic kidney disease, dehydration |
| Thyroid | TSH, free T4 | Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism |
| Haematology | Full blood count, ferritin, B12, folate | Anaemia, infection markers, nutritional deficiency |
| Metabolic | Fasting glucose, HbA1c, uric acid | Diabetes, pre-diabetes, gout risk |
| Lifestyle | BMI, waist circumference, alcohol and smoking assessment | Modifiable risk factors |
Why Screen Before Symptoms Appear?
Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 25% of all male deaths in the UK. The QRISK3 algorithm can estimate 10-year cardiovascular risk using blood pressure, lipids, and clinical history — enabling early intervention with lifestyle modification or medication before a heart attack or stroke occurs.[3] Similarly, early detection of type 2 diabetes through HbA1c screening allows intensive glucose control that reduces long-term complications by up to 25%.[4]
Prostate Screening: A Balanced Approach
PSA testing remains controversial. The CAP trial demonstrated that a single PSA-based screening did not significantly reduce prostate cancer mortality at 10 years.[5] However, for men with a family history of prostate cancer or those who request screening after informed discussion, PSA forms part of a risk-stratified approach. I discuss the benefits and limitations with every patient before testing.
From Our Practice
"Many men tell me they haven't had a health check in years — or ever. The most common finding is elevated cholesterol or early blood pressure changes that are entirely manageable with lifestyle adjustment. Catching these at 40 rather than 55 can add years of healthy life."
— Dr George Xynopoulos, Consultant Physician
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start having health checks?
I recommend baseline screening from age 30–35, with comprehensive annual checks from 40 onwards. If you have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, earlier screening is advisable.
How long does the appointment take?
Allow 45–60 minutes for the initial consultation and blood draw. Results are reviewed in a follow-up appointment (in person or telephone) within 48 hours.
Do I need to fast before the blood test?
Yes — a 10–12 hour overnight fast is required for accurate lipid and glucose measurements. Water is fine.
Is PSA testing included automatically?
Not automatically. I discuss PSA with men aged 50+ (or 45+ with family history) and include it only after informed consent, given the limitations of the test.
Can I claim on health insurance?
Most insurers cover diagnostic health checks when clinically indicated. We provide the documentation needed for your claim.
What happens if something abnormal is found?
I explain the finding, its significance, and the recommended next steps — whether that is lifestyle modification, medication, further investigation, or specialist referral. Nothing is left unexplained.
Related Guides
Why Get a Private Health Check?
Benefits over NHS screening
Blood Tests at 40
Essential panels by age
High Blood Pressure
Symptoms and when to act
Health Check Services
Book your screening
References
- [1] NHS Health Check Programme. Public Health England. Best practice guidance. 2019. View source
- [2] Si S, Moss JR, Sullivan TR, et al. Effectiveness of general practice-based health checks: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Gen Pract. 2014;64(618):e47–e53. View source
- [3] Hippisley-Cox J, Coupland C, Brindle P. Development and validation of QRISK3 risk prediction algorithms. BMJ. 2017;357:j2099. View source
- [4] Holman RR, Paul SK, Bethel MA, et al. 10-year follow-up of intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 80). N Engl J Med. 2008;359(15):1577–1589. View source
- [5] Martin RM, Donovan JL, Turner EL, et al. Effect of a low-intensity PSA-based screening intervention on prostate cancer mortality (CAP). JAMA. 2018;319(9):883–895. View source
- [6] Krogsbøll LT, Jørgensen KJ, Gøtzsche PC. General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1:CD009009. View source
