Men’s health screening in Budapest: A guide for expats
November means Movember. A global moment when men grow moustaches to create conversations around men’s health. At FirstMed, we use this month to emphasise crucial men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer, while also highlighting another silent concern: digestive health. For expats searching for reliable men’s health screening in Budapest, this topic deserves special attention.
For international residents living in Hungary, the risk is real. Hungary records some of the highest incidence and mortality rates for colorectal cancer in Europe, making screening essential. A colonoscopy in Budapest is one of the most effective preventive tools available, allowing specialists to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. For many expats and medical tourists, the desire is to have this procedure done in English and a private clinic setting, which offers peace of mind and clarity.
Why choose FirstMed in Budapest?
Navigating a foreign healthcare system can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t speak Hungarian. FirstMed removes that stress entirely. As Budapest’s leading English-speaking private healthcare provider, we provide fast, high-quality access to screenings such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy. If you need fast medical answers without navigating the public health system, FirstMed is your safest, quickest option.
Our multi-speciality clinic, along with our sister locations in Rome and Milan, is designed for international patients. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the difference, from the warm greeting in English to the soft cushions and soothing music in our waiting room. Every team member, from reception to gastroenterology, is fluent in English, making your colonoscopy or endoscopy appointment straightforward and easy to understand. And unlike the public system, where long wait times are common, FirstMed offers same-week or fast-track screening appointments.
This convenience makes our clinic increasingly popular for medical tourism from the UK, as travellers can fly to Budapest, stay in a comfortable hotel, receive a high-quality colonoscopy at a competitive price, and fly home the next day, often paying less than they would privately in the UK.
The core Movember mission (Men’s health awareness in Europe)
Movember focuses on three significant areas of men’s health: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Raising awareness is important, but early detection is key.
Prostate cancer screening:
The second most common cancer in men worldwide. Many patients begin discussing PSA testing around age 50, or earlier if they have a family history.
Testicular cancer prevention:
Most common in young men aged 15–40. Monthly self-exams remain the most effective form of early detection.
Mental health support for Men:
A major pillar of Movember is encouraging men to seek help and reduce stigma.
The fourth check you might be missing…
As mentioned earlier, Hungary has some of the highest colorectal cancer rates in the world, making screening in Budapest an essential item on any expat’s to-do list.
Colonoscopy remains the best standard in early detection. For colorectal health, a colonoscopy is recommended to detect issues such as polyps, inflammation, or early signs of cancer. Symptoms like blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, or unexplained abdominal discomfort may indicate the need for a colonoscopy, even before the routine screening age.
Men at average risk should begin screening at age 45, or sooner if they have a family history or concerning symptoms. For issues like chronic reflux, abdominal pain, or suspected ulcers, a gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) can identify problems such as H. pylori infections or inflammation.
For expats, both procedures at FirstMed provide the reassurance of English-speaking staff, from booking your appointment to the procedure itself and follow-up, ensuring clear explanations and modern, innovative care every step of the way.
Navigating your health in Budapest
Scheduling medical procedures abroad can feel intimidating. At FirstMed, we focus on comfort, communication, and clarity. This Movember, we want to break the
stigma and start conversations about men’s health. From booking to follow-up, our English-speaking specialists guide you every step of the way.
Private colonoscopies and endoscopies in Budapest are performed under conscious sedation, making the experience generally painless and stress-free. These outpatient procedures let you return to your hotel or home the same day.
As a private clinic, we help you skip long waits, referrals, and confusion often associated with healthcare abroad. We work with multiple international insurance providers and offer transparent pricing, making FirstMed a convenient choice for expats living in Budapest, locals looking for quality assurance, and UK patients exploring affordable medical tourism in Hungary.
Your Movember checklist: Awareness starts with action
Remember, taking control of your health is lifesaving. If you’re 45 or older, especially living in Hungary’s high-risk environment, now is the time to schedule your colon cancer screening.
Your next step is simple:
Contact FirstMed’s English-speaking team anytime.
📞 Call: +36 1 224 9090
💬 Chat: +36706205992
📝 Online form: https://firstmed.hu/services/endoscopy-center/
Don’t wait. Proactive care is power. This Movember, take action and own your health.
P.S.A. markers are notoriously unreliable. Don’t bet on just that. A digital exam, supremely uncomfortable though it is, AND ideally an ultrasound, is the only way to be certain.
It is very regrettable that breast cancer gets all the attention and funding while we men still do not have a 100% dependable screening method for prostate cancer.