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Making time for routine checkups and health screenings is a key step every man can take to maintain good health. Plus, some health screenings can help identify certain diseases in the early stages, when they're easier to treat. But which tests should you take and when should you schedule them?
Below are some important men's health screenings, medical tests and vaccinations that adult men ages 18 to 65 and older may want to consider. Keep in mind that health screenings may vary in their suggested frequency and timing based on your family history, lifestyle factors and any new symptoms that develop. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider to determine which health screenings are right for you — and when to do them.
Health Screenings for Men Ages 18 to 39
This stage of life is an ideal time to develop an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician. Having a trusted health professional who is familiar with your health history — and who you can talk to about any health concerns — can make it easier to stay on top of preventive screenings. Health screenings for men at this life stage focus mainly on biometric screenings and early detection of preventable diseases.1
Here are the health screenings you may want to consider if you are aged 18 to 39:
Blood pressure
Blood pressure screenings can identify high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which is a condition that can lead to heart disease and strokes.
How often: Blood pressure should be checked at least once every three to five years if in the normal range (120/80 or less). Your healthcare provider may suggest an annual screening if your numbers are between 120 mm Hg to 129 mm Hg on the top and 70 mm Hg to 79 mm Hg on the bottom. Blood pressure that reaches greater than 130 mm Hg on the top or 80 mmHg on the bottom is considered stage 1 hypertension and needs treatment.1
Cholesterol
Cholesterol screenings can identify your risk for developing plaque in your arteries, another condition that can lead to heart disease.
How often: Cholesterol screenings are recommended starting at 35 for men with no predisposing factors for heart disease. If the test is normal, it should be repeated every five years. Men who do have higher chances of developing heart disease are recommended to be tested starting at 20 years old and may benefit from an annual screening.1
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes screening involves fasting for about eight hours to test your blood sugar level for diabetes or even prediabetes.
How often: Screening for diabetes should start at age 35 and repeat every three years if there are no additional predisposing factors. If you have a primary family member with diabetes, are overweight or obese, have high blood pressure, have prediabetes or have a history of high cholesterol, these screenings should start at an earlier age and be repeated more often.1
Infectious disease screening
Screening for infectious diseases like hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) should be included for men ages 18 to 39. Additional testing for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, can help prevent you from spreading the disease to other sexual partners.
How often: Recommendations for infectious disease testing include hepatitis C for 18 to 79-year-olds and HIV for those aged 15 to 65. If you are sexually active, annual testing is recommended for STDs.1
Vaccinations
Vaccines are an easy and convenient way to protect yourself against various common and communicable diseases. A few to consider are the COVID-19 vaccine, a flu shot and a tetanus booster.
How often: Flu vaccines are recommended annually, while a tetanus booster should be updated every 10 years.2
Skin cancer check
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.3 But skin cancer screenings can easily be performed in the comfort of your own home with good lights and a mirror.4 Following the American Cancer Society skin check guidelines can help you become aware of your personal pattern of moles, freckles and blemishes so you can know if and when they change.
How often: Although there are no guidelines from the American Cancer Society, many practitioners recommend doing monthly skin checks — especially for those with higher chances of developing the disease.4 Scheduling an annual full-body skin cancer check with your dermatologist is also a good way to help you learn how to perform a skin check, have a professional document and identify any skin changes or new growths in the early stages.
Eye exam
An eye exam consists of various tests to check the health of your eyes and your vision.
How often: Between the ages of 18 and 39, an eye exam should be completed every five to ten years or more frequently if you notice a change in your vision, have contact lenses or have been diagnosed with certain eye conditions that may warrant more frequent screenings.6
Dental exam
During a preventive dental exam, a dentist will examine your teeth, cheeks, tongue and gums for decay, disease, cancer or other oral health concerns.5
How often: Unless you have specific oral issues, most adults will benefit from biannual (twice-a-year) dental exams to keep teeth and gums healthy and to check for oral cancer.1
Health Screenings for Men Ages 40 to 64
Predisposing factors for conditions like heart disease and diabetes may increase during this age stage. Some men may notice an increase in blood pressure and weight gain, as well as lower metabolism. This is an important stage of life to focus on heart health, which includes paying close attention to diet and exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
Men ages 40 to 64 may want to consider all of the health screenings mentioned earlier, as well as the following health screenings:
Colon cancer screenings
Starting at age 45, men should be screened for colon cancer through a stool test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.7 These tests can provide early detection of colon cancer and allow for faster treatment. Although colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for testing, the procedure itself isn't always convenient or pleasant. Ask your doctor about getting prescribed an at-home colon cancer screening option that can make it easier — and more likely — that you'll test.
How often: The frequency of testing depends on the screening method used. Stool tests for blood should be performed annually, stool sDNA (or stool DNA, a lab test for colon cancer markers) every one to three years, sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. You also may need to test more frequently if you have predisposing factors or a family history of colon cancer.7
Lung cancer screening
Individuals who are over the age of 50, have a history of smoking 20 packs or more a year and still currently smoke or have quit in the last 15 years, should be screened for lung cancer.7
How often: An annual screening is recommended for those who meet all three criteria.7
Prostate cancer screening
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men.9 But according to the American Cancer Society, there is debate about whether the benefits of performing prostate cancer screenings outweigh the disadvantages.10 Screenings can be inconclusive, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and treatment when it is not necessary.10
How often: Men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their healthcare provider about the benefits and drawbacks of prostate cancer screenings.7
Bone density screening
Bone density screenings measure bone strength and can detect osteoporosis before breaks happen — and even predict the chances of future breaks.8
How often: If you are over the age of 50 and have predisposing factors for osteoporosis, talk with your healthcare provider about getting a bone density screening. Heavy alcohol use, smoking, steroid use, low body weight and family history play a key role in determining when testing is recommended.7
Shingles vaccine
If you had the chicken pox virus as a child, you can get shingles as an adult.11 To help protect yourself, consider the shingles vaccine.
How often: The shingles vaccine is available to those aged 50 and older.7
Health Screenings for Men at Age 65 and Older
Staying physically and mentally active is key to overall health and well-being during this life stage. Men's health screenings at this stage may include all of the medical tests above, plus those listed below. Talk to your doctor about the recommended frequency of these health screenings and vaccinations and about any additional types of screenings you may need based on your health history.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur when the aorta becomes enlarged, raising the chances of rupture. Smoking and high blood pressure can increase the possibility of this type of aneurysm. An ultrasound can evaluate the health of your aorta.12
How often: Men aged 65 to 75 who have a history of smoking should talk with their healthcare provider about being screened.13
Pneumonia vaccines
Although pneumonia can be mild, severe cases of it can be life-threatening. Adults ages 19 through 64 with chronic medical conditions, including heart and lung disease, or who are immunocompromised should be vaccinated. In addition, those aged 65 and up can help protect themselves from pneumonia with the appropriate one- or two-dose vaccination treatment.14
How often: Adults ages 19 to 64 with qualifying medical conditions and all adults over 65 should receive a one-time vaccination with PCV20 or one dose of PCV15 followed by one dose of PPSV23 one year later.14
Memory testing
According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine dementia screening.15 Age-related memory changes are normal during this phase of life; mild forgetfulness is common and not considered a serious memory problem.16 More serious memory problems could be due to mild cognitive impairment or dementia and warrant further evaluation.16
How often: Although regular screening is not recommended, contact your healthcare provider if you are having difficulty remembering the names of family members or close friends, need help with tasks you used to do on your own or notice a change in personality, such as losing inhibitions or caring for other people’s feelings.17
Hearing tests
Hearing loss can be more common during this life stage. If you notice that you have difficulty hearing conversations, schedule a hearing exam to help diagnose the issue.
How often: Hearing tests can be performed as needed if you experience difficulty hearing.13
7 Ways Men Can Protect Their Health
Scheduling routine screenings is one of the most important things men can do for their overall health. Getting routine checkups and health screenings with your general physician and seeing specialists as needed — like cardiologists, gastroenterologists and audiologists — are key steps to maintaining good health. In addition, keeping up with annual checkups and adopting a healthier lifestyle can help minimize the possibility of many preventable diseases and conditions.
Here are seven tips to help men protect and optimize their health:
1. Get regular checkups
This is an ideal time for your primary care doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol and perform other important tests and health screenings for men.18 That may include screenings for testicular cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These types of tests can help detect problems early, when they're easier to treat. Keep in mind that men's health and predisposing factors can change with age, too. Certain life stages may call for more attention to specific men's health screenings.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains, while limiting salt and processed foods.18 A healthy diet can help lower your risk of preventable conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Focus on a variety of healthy foods (along with plenty of water) to help ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs for a healthy immune system.
3. Be active
Regular exercise is an important way for men to maintain a healthy weight and help prevent health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Any activity is better than no activity. Choose activities that you enjoy to keep you motivated to continue your workout routine.18
4. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke reduces your risk of heart and lung disease and cancer.18
5. Limit alcohol consumption
Evidence has shown that alcohol can increase your overall chances of death from cancer and heart disease. While previous studies proposed potential health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, more recent information shows this may not be true.19
6. Manage stress
Reducing stress can lower your risk of heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression.18 Taking care of your body, making time to unwind and connecting with others are some healthy ways to cope with stress.20 Pay attention to signs of depression and don't hesitate to reach out to loved ones or your doctor for help in managing your mental health.
7. Get enough sleep
Chronic sleep deprivation may boost your risk of heart disease and other health conditions. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. For better sleep quality, don’t nap after 3 p.m., try going to bed and waking up around the same time every day and limit screen time before bed.21
Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card
If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Expert Reviewer
Steve Marshall, D.N.P., M.S.N., B.S.N., R.N.
Steve Marshall has more than 30 years of nursing experience, with diverse expertise in clinical leadership, ER, oncology, infectious disease and more. Using his clinical knowledge, he has written for top publications including Everyday Health, the National Council on Aging and Next Avenue. He is dedicated to combining his extensive nursing knowledge with well-crafted storytelling to help those seeking factual medical information.
Author Bio
Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women's Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.
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