Regular preventive care can help men identify health risks early and make informed decisions about their long-term health. Men’s health screenings may include blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, cancer screening, and other tests based on age, family history, symptoms, and individual risk factors.
There is no single list of tests that every man needs at the same age or frequency. Your healthcare provider can recommend screenings based on your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, and risk factors.
This guide explains some of the most important health screenings for men, what they evaluate, and when you may need them.
Why Are Men’s Health Screenings Important?
Preventive health screenings can identify certain conditions before symptoms appear. Early detection may make some health problems easier to manage and can help you take steps to reduce future health risks.
Regular checkups are particularly important for men who have risk factors such as:
- Family history of heart disease, diabetes, or certain cancers
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Overweight or obesity
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Physical inactivity
- A history of certain medical conditions
- Other lifestyle or occupational risk factors
Routine preventive care can also provide an opportunity to discuss nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental well-being, vaccinations, and other aspects of overall health.
Learn more about the important health screenings for all ages.
What Health Screenings Should Men Get?
The screenings you need depend on your age, health history, risk factors, and symptoms. Common preventive screenings for men include:
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol and lipid testing
- Diabetes screening
- Prostate cancer screening discussions
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Immunizations and preventive care
- Screening for other cancers and health conditions based on individual risk
Let’s take a closer look at several important screenings.
1. Blood Pressure Screening
Blood pressure screening is one of the most important routine health checks for men because high blood pressure often does not cause noticeable symptoms.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.
During a blood pressure check, a healthcare professional places an inflatable cuff around your arm to measure the pressure of blood against the walls of your arteries.
Blood pressure is generally reported using two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The pressure when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure: The pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Your provider can determine how often you should have your blood pressure checked based on your previous readings and overall health.
Men with high blood pressure may also benefit from ongoing monitoring and chronic disease management. Learn more about family medicine services.
2. Cholesterol and Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. These measurements can help assess cardiovascular risk.
A lipid panel may include:
- LDL cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol
- Total cholesterol
- Triglycerides
High levels of certain blood lipids can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.
How often you need cholesterol testing depends on your age, health history, previous results, and risk factors. Your healthcare provider can recommend an appropriate testing schedule.
Fasting is not always required for a lipid panel. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions before the test.
3. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes screening checks blood glucose levels and can identify prediabetes or diabetes. Early detection is important because untreated or poorly controlled diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and other parts of the body.
Common tests used to evaluate blood glucose include:
- A1C test: Estimates average blood glucose levels over the previous several months.
- Fasting blood glucose test: Measures blood glucose after fasting for a specified period.
- Oral glucose tolerance test: Measures how the body processes glucose after consuming a glucose-containing drink.
- Random blood glucose test: Measures blood glucose at a specific point in time without requiring fasting.
The appropriate screening schedule depends on age and risk factors. Men with overweight or obesity, a family history of diabetes, or other risk factors may need screening earlier or more frequently.
You can also learn more about prediabetes and what it means for your health.
4. Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer screening is an important conversation for many men, particularly as they get older or if they have increased risk.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures PSA levels in the blood. A digital rectal examination may also be considered in some circumstances.
Importantly, there is no single PSA level that automatically means a man has prostate cancer. PSA levels can be affected by several factors, and an elevated result does not necessarily mean cancer is present.
Depending on your age, family history, race, overall health, and personal preferences, your healthcare provider can discuss whether PSA screening is appropriate for you and its potential benefits and limitations.
If a PSA result is abnormal, your provider may recommend additional evaluation rather than immediately assuming cancer is present.
5. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening can help detect colorectal cancer or precancerous growths before they cause symptoms.
Screening options may include:
- Stool-based tests
- Colonoscopy
- Other colorectal screening methods recommended by a healthcare professional
The recommended starting age and screening interval depend on your risk level and the screening method used. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier.
Discuss your colorectal cancer screening options with your healthcare provider to determine which approach is appropriate for you.
6. Testosterone Testing: When Is It Necessary?
A testosterone test measures testosterone levels in the blood and is generally recommended when symptoms suggest a possible hormone-related problem, rather than as a routine screening test for every man.
Low testosterone may be associated with symptoms such as:
- Reduced sex drive
- Erectile difficulties
- Fatigue
- Reduced muscle mass
- Changes in mood
- Infertility
A healthcare provider may order testosterone testing when symptoms and medical history indicate that it may be appropriate.
Testosterone testing does not diagnose testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is evaluated through a medical examination and, when appropriate, imaging and other diagnostic tests.
If you experience a new lump, swelling, pain, or other unusual change in a testicle, contact a healthcare professional for evaluation rather than relying on a testosterone test.
7. Other Preventive Screenings Men May Need
Men may also need other preventive services depending on their age, medical history, and risk factors.
These can include:
Immunizations
Vaccinations can help protect against preventable infections. Your provider can review which vaccines and boosters are appropriate for you.
Skin Cancer Checks
Men with significant sun exposure, a history of skin cancer, or other risk factors may benefit from discussing skin changes and skin cancer screening with their healthcare provider.
Learn more about sun safety tips for families.
Lung Cancer Screening
Some adults with a significant history of cigarette smoking may qualify for lung cancer screening with low-dose CT. Eligibility depends on factors such as age and smoking history.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
Certain men, particularly those in specific age groups who have a history of smoking, may be recommended for a one-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Mental Health Screening
Mental health is an important part of overall wellness. Men should talk with their healthcare provider about persistent changes in mood, anxiety, sleep, stress, or other concerns.
How Often Should Men Get Health Screenings?
There is no universal schedule for every men’s health screening. The appropriate frequency depends on the type of screening, your age, previous results, family history, and other risk factors.
For example:
- Blood pressure may need to be checked regularly.
- Cholesterol testing may be repeated based on cardiovascular risk and previous results.
- Diabetes screening may be recommended at intervals based on age and risk factors.
- Cancer screening follows age- and risk-based recommendations.
- Additional testing may be appropriate when symptoms develop.
Instead of relying on a fixed checklist, talk with your primary care provider about creating a preventive care plan tailored to your health.
What Should Men Discuss With Their Doctor?
Before a preventive visit, consider preparing a list of:
- Current medications and supplements
- Allergies
- Family history of major diseases
- Previous test results
- New or persistent symptoms
- Changes in weight, sleep, or energy
- Physical activity and diet
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Questions about cancer screening
- Concerns about sexual or reproductive health
Being open with your healthcare provider helps them make more informed recommendations.
Why Are Regular Checkups Important for Men?
Preventive screenings are only one part of maintaining good health. A regular wellness visit gives your healthcare provider an opportunity to review your overall health, identify risk factors, discuss preventive services, and address concerns before they become more difficult to manage.
Regular checkups can also help you stay current with recommended screenings and develop a long-term plan for managing chronic conditions.
Learn more about the importance of annual checkups.
Men’s Health and Preventive Care at Rural Health Network
At Rural Health Network, we believe preventive healthcare should be accessible and personalized to the needs of individuals and families.
Our Family Medicine services can help with routine healthcare, preventive screenings, chronic condition management, and evaluation of new health concerns.
Whether you need a routine wellness exam or want to discuss a specific health concern, establishing a relationship with a primary care provider can help you stay proactive about your health.
You can also explore our wellness exams to learn more about the role of preventive healthcare.
Contact Rural Health Network to learn more about available services and schedule an appointment.
Take Charge of Your Health
Taking care of your health does not have to wait until something feels wrong. Regular checkups, appropriate screenings, healthy lifestyle habits, and open communication with your healthcare provider can help you stay proactive throughout every stage of life.
If you are due for a wellness exam or are unsure which screenings you need, talk with a family medicine provider about creating a personalized preventive care plan.