Check In On Your Checkups: Men's Health Screenings by Age
In June, we recognize Men's Health Month. It's a chance for males of every age to learn about and prioritize preventative checkups, which can be critical to your health as you reach age-related milestones.
Each year everyone should receive regular checkups with their primary care provider to learn their risk factors through regular screenings and family history discussions.
However, there are screenings men in particular should consider receiving throughout their lives since men face many risks that women do not. This is because men face unique health conditions like prostate cancer as well as an increased risk of developing colon cancer and heart disease.
While certain screenings are only necessary once you hit a particular age, there are exams and vaccinations every male should receive at every age. These include:
- Immunizations like flu, COVID-19 and any additional vaccinations your primary care provider recommends
- Regular physical exams to maintain a relationship with your primary care provider
- Testicular exam
Through your various life stages, here are the screenings you should prioritize, according to the National Library of Medicine.
From early adulthood through your 30s, it's important to receive regular screenings even if you do not feel unhealthy. These visits help ensure you're up to date on vaccinations, assess your risk for future medical conditions and screen for any underlying conditions that you may not realize you have.
Below are the screenings you should receive from 18-39 years old and how often you should receive them:
Blood pressure screening—at least once every 3-5 years. Discuss with your primary care provider if you should receive a blood pressure screening more often.
Cholesterol screening—every 5 years with normal cholesterol levels. If you experience certain health conditions and lifestyle changes, your primary care provider may suggest you receive cholesterol screenings more often. You should also talk to your primary care provider on when you should begin your cholesterol screening, which can be as early as 20 years old if you are at risk of coronary heart disease.
Diabetes Screening—every 3 years starting at 35 years old if you do not have any risk factors for diabetes. Your primary care provider may suggest you begin diabetes screening sooner if you have a close relative with diabetes, have high blood pressure, have prediabetes or have a history of heart disease.
At 40 years old, you should continue your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings. Some screenings you should start during this period are:
Colorectal cancer screening—you should receive a colonoscopy at least every 10 years beginning at 45 years old. Depending on your risk factors, your primary care provider may recommend you begin colorectal screenings more often and/or at a younger age.
Prostate cancer screening—every 1-2 years depending on your risk factor and prostate-specific antigen blood levels. If you are at average risk, you should begin screenings at 50 years old, according to the American Cancer Society. For higher-risk individuals, your primary care provider may recommend you begin screening as early as 40 years old.
At 65 years old, you should continue having your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings along with your prostate screening through at least 69 years old.
Other exams you should continue include your colorectal screening through age 75. Once you turn 76, you should consult your primary care provider on whether or not you should continue being screened.
Depending on your family and health history, your primary care provider may recommend additional screenings at different ages. Preventative care is critical to your lasting wellness and health, helping you achieve the lifestyle you want.
