Preventive Health Screening Guidelines For Men

Sure, it’s easy to make a doctor’s appointment when you aren’t feeling well but maintaining a regular checkup and health screening schedule is a different story. Health screenings are important for understanding your current and future medical risks and can be crucial when it comes to early detection and diagnosis. 

If you’re someone who can’t remember the last time you saw your doctor, it might be time to make an appointment to talk about the different health screenings that may be recommended for your age. 

Here are some basic screening guidelines for men to help you maintain a healthy path.

What Types of Health Screenings do Men Under 40 Regularly Need?

Annual Physical Exam: Even if you’re feeling healthy, it’s good to get in the habit of seeing your doctor once a year for a full physical. This helps your doctor keep consistent records of your weight and health habits for reference as you age. 

Blood Pressure: This is something a primary care physician can easily check at your yearly physical. Or, if you’re curious, many grocery stores and pharmacies have blood pressure machines or offer free screenings. 

Cholesterol: If you are overweight or have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may want to begin cholesterol screenings as early as your 20s. Otherwise, you should seek out a cholesterol test every five years in your 30s. 

Diabetes: Depending on your body mass index, you may need regular diabetes screenings to make sure you aren’t diabetic or pre-diabetic. 

What Type of Health Screenings do Men Over 40 Regularly Need?

While men over 40 should still maintain the regular screening habits acquired in their 20s and 30s, you’ll also need to add a few other preventative measures. 

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Men over 50 should get a colonoscopy every 10 years, unless you have a family history or other risk factors — in which case, your doctor may recommend earlier and more frequent screenings. 

Prostate Cancer Screening: If you don’t have any risk factors for prostate cancer, you don’t need to discuss the possibility of screenings until you turn 50. However, if you do have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, your doctor may want to begin screenings when you turn 45. 

Keep in mind the specific screenings your doctor recommends may vary based on your individual health risks. The most important healthy habit you can build as you age is seeing your doctor every year for a physical exam and to discuss any health concerns you may have. 

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