7 essential Health Screenings: Many men put off health tests until they feel unwell, but getting regular check-ups is crucial because these screenings can catch health problems early-like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or prostate issues-so doctors can treat them sooner and help you stay healthier, manage diseases better, and improve your quality of life; if you notice ongoing tiredness, unexplained weight changes, or long-lasting discomfort, it’s a sign to see your doctor, and routine men’s health exams usually include checks for heart health, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and prostate health, all of which help create a plan for long-term wellness and prevent bigger issues down the road.
Read on to find out which screenings are recommended to help you stay healthy and how to start making your health a priority, even if you haven’t done so before.
1. Check Yourself to Start
Carrying extra weight can raise your chances of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease.
Body Mass Index, commonly known as BMI, is an easy formula that uses height and weight to approximate body fat percentage. A healthy BMI for adults falls between 18.5 and 25; if your number is higher, you may be considered overweight or at risk for obesity.
2. Know Your Good and Bad
Adults should get their cholesterol checked every four to six years starting at age 20, or earlier and more often if they have risk factors like diabetes, smoking, high BMI, or a family history of heart issues; this simple blood test measures both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, along with triglycerides, and results are given in mg/dL, with a healthy total cholesterol goal being under 200 mg/dL-if your numbers aren’t ideal, it’s a chance to make positive health changes, not a guarantee of heart disease, and your doctor will decide how often you need follow-up tests based on your personal risk factors.
3. Look into your Lipids
Monitoring your triglyceride levels is crucial for assessing your heart health. Triglycerides are a type of fat present in your bloodstream, and elevated levels can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Your physician can evaluate your triglycerides using the same blood test that measures cholesterol, typically included in a lipid panel.
A healthy triglyceride level is less than 150 mg/dL, but aiming for under 100 mg/dL is even better. If your triglycerides are high, it may be a sign of metabolic syndrome group of risk factors that can lead to serious health problems.
High triglycerides can come from eating too many calories, not being active, or having conditions like diabetes. To lower your levels, try eating healthier, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol. At times, your physician might also suggest medication.
Regular testing and healthy lifestyle choices can help keep your triglycerides in check and protect your heart for the long term.
4.Keep Tabs on your Blood Pressure
Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is important because high readings can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, kidney issues, and stroke. If your blood pressure falls within the normal range—below 120/80 mm Hg—you only need to have it monitored every two years.
However, if your numbers are higher, your doctor will want to monitor them more often and may suggest medication to help control them.
Doctors usually confirm high blood pressure with at least two separate readings taken a few hours apart, since one high result isn’t enough for a diagnosis. Regular checks are the best way to catch any changes early, so you can address problems before they develop.
5. Diabetes
Having blood pressure above 135/80 mm Hg can be a warning sign of diabetes, since high blood pressure and diabetes often occur together and share similar risk factors. To diagnose diabetes, physicians might utilize tests such as the hemoglobin A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). However, one abnormal result alone is insufficient, and a follow-up test is necessary to confirm elevated blood sugar levels for a proper diagnosis. This careful approach helps ensure that diabetes is accurately identified, so you can get the right treatment and lower your risk of complications like heart and kidney disease.
6. Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, often from small growths called polyps that can turn cancerous if not removed. Most cases occur in people over 45, so regular screening is important as you age. Colonoscopy is the main test to find and remove polyps, helping prevent cancer or catch it early when it’s easier to treat. Adults at average risk should start screening at 45 and repeat every 10 years if results are normal, but those with higher risk may need earlier or more frequent checks. Consult your physician regarding the appropriate timing and plan for your screenings.
7. Protect Your Hide
Melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer, has risen faster in the U.S. than any other cancer over the past 40 years, with cases more than doubling since the 1970s. In 2025, over 104,000 new invasive melanoma cases are expected, making it the fifth most common cancer among men. Before the age of 50, women are at a higher risk of developing melanoma; however, after 65, men experience twice the number of cases, and by the age of 80, men are diagnosed with melanoma three times as often as women. To catch melanoma early, check your skin every month for any moles or spots that look unusual or have changed. Use the ABCDE rule to help remember what to look for:
A (Asymmetry): One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B (Border): The edges are uneven or jagged.
C (Color): The hue is inconsistent throughout or varies.
D (Diameter): The spot is bigger than 5mm.
E (Evolving): The mole is changing, itching, bleeding, or looks different in any way.
Also, watch out for sores that don’t heal. Request your physician to examine your skin during your routine health check-up. Melanoma is very treatable when found early, so regular self-checks and doctor visits are important.
Other Important Tests for Men
Prostate Cancer Screening
Recent updates in prostate cancer screening guidelines reflect a shift in approach, particularly regarding the use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE):
-PSA Test: The PSA blood examination remains the primary approach for the early detection of prostate cancer. However, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force notes that the risks of false positives and unnecessary biopsies can outweigh the benefits for some men, so decisions about PSA testing should be made after discussing personal risk factors with your doctor.
– DRE Test: The digital rectal exam (DRE) is not as reliable as the PSA blood test for detecting prostate cancer, and, as a result, most current guidelines do not suggest using it as a standard screening method.
However, it may still be used alongside PSA testing, especially if PSA levels are elevated, to help assess risk. The DRE allows a doctor to feel for lumps or hard areas on the prostate, but it cannot detect all cancers.
Key Points from New Guidelines:
– Men interested in prostate health may be offered a baseline PSA test from age 40, especially if they are at higher risk (family history, African ancestry).
– Routine PSA testing is generally recommended every two years for men aged 50–69, with earlier and more frequent testing for those at higher risk.
– Testing for men over 70 is based on individual clinical assessment rather than a blanket recommendation.
– DRE is no longer recommended as a standard primary care screening, but may be used if PSA is elevated.
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing
Men should also discuss with their doctor whether testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is appropriate. This is especially important for those with new or multiple partners, or other risk factors. Early detection of STIs can prevent complications and protect both personal and partner health.
Summary Table: Prostate and STI Testing
| Test | Who Should Consider | Frequency/Notes |
| PSA Blood Test | Men 40+ (risk-based), 50–69 (routine) | Every 2 years or as advised by the doctor |
| Digital Rectal Exam | Select cases with elevated PSA | Not for routine screening; use with PSA if needed |
| STI Screening | Men with risk factors or new partners | As advised by the doctor |
Discuss with your doctor which tests are right for you based on your age, family history, and personal health risks.
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