Most of the health conditions that quietly cut men's lives short can be caught early, when they are most treatable. High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, prediabetes, and early-stage colorectal cancer rarely produce a warning signal before they have been doing harm for years. Routine screenings exist to find these problems before they reach that stage. For most men, getting those screenings on schedule is the harder part.

Why so many men skip routine care

The pattern of men avoiding preventive care is well documented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association both report that men are less likely than women to visit a doctor and about half as likely to seek preventive care specifically.^1,9 A national survey of more than 1,100 men, conducted by Cleveland Clinic as part of its MENtion It educational campaign, found that 72% would rather do household chores than schedule a doctor's visit. Only half of the men surveyed considered an annual checkup a regular part of taking care of themselves.²

The survey revealed other patterns worth noting. Sixty-five percent of men said they wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor, even when something feels wrong. Thirty-seven percent admitted they had withheld health information from their doctor because they were not ready to face a potential diagnosis.²

The health cost of that avoidance is real. According to the CDC, life expectancy for men in the United States stands at 76.5 years, compared with 81.4 years for women. That gap of nearly five years is substantially explained by conditions that are both preventable and highly treatable when found early.³

The silent conditions screenings are designed to catch

High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer" because most people with elevated blood pressure feel nothing unusual. You can have significantly elevated pressure for years while your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels absorb cumulative damage, all without a single noticeable symptom. The same holds for high cholesterol, which narrows arteries gradually over time without producing pain or any warning you can feel.

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes follow a similar path, typically advancing without symptoms until complications develop. Colorectal cancer usually begins as a small, removable growth called a polyp in the lining of the colon or rectum. Polyps cause no discomfort in their early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease has often progressed.

Screenings are not tests for people who feel sick. They are tools for finding problems that do not yet announce themselves.

What the key screenings check for, and why they matter

Routine screenings are brief tests designed to detect health problems before they produce symptoms. Here is what each of the most important screenings for men actually measures, and why it belongs on your schedule.

Blood pressure

Blood pressure screening measures the force of blood pressing against artery walls as the heart pumps. The result is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (while the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (while the heart is at rest between beats). The American Heart Association (AHA) defines high blood pressure, or hypertension, as a consistent reading at or above 130/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).⁴

High blood pressure is a primary risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure. Because it causes no symptoms, routine measurement is the only reliable way to detect it.

Recommended frequency: At least every two years for normal readings; annually or more often if readings are elevated or risk factors are present.

Cholesterol (lipid panel)

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, often called "bad" cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. High LDL cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaque inside artery walls that narrows blood flow and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Like high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol produces no symptoms. The AHA recommends that men begin cholesterol screening at age 20 and repeat it every four to six years when results are normal, with more frequent testing for anyone with cardiovascular risk factors or a family history of heart disease.⁴

Blood glucose and diabetes screening

Blood glucose tests measure the amount of sugar circulating in the bloodstream. The two most common options are a fasting plasma glucose test, which requires a brief fast before the blood draw, and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, which reflects average blood sugar over the prior three months.

According to the CDC, approximately 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, and roughly one in five of them do not know it.⁵ Another 97 million American adults have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. Most people with prediabetes have no symptoms at all.⁵

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in all adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese, with earlier testing for anyone with additional risk factors such as family history or a sedentary lifestyle.⁶

Colorectal cancer screening

Colorectal cancer screening looks for cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy, performed every 10 years, is the most thorough option: a physician uses a flexible camera to examine the entire colon while the patient is under sedation. Less invasive stool-based tests, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the multi-target stool DNA test, can be done at home and repeated more frequently.

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45.⁷ Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men. When caught early, while it is still confined to the colon or rectum, it is highly treatable.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, though they can also result from a benign enlarged prostate (a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or prostate inflammation.

Because PSA screening involves real tradeoffs between early detection and the risk of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures, the USPSTF recommends that men ages 55 to 69 make this a shared, informed decision with their doctor.⁶ Men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should have that conversation earlier, typically starting between ages 40 and 45.⁶

Skin cancer screening

A full-body skin exam, performed by a dermatologist (a physician who specializes in skin conditions), involves a visual review of the entire skin surface to check for unusual moles, lesions, or skin changes that may indicate melanoma or other forms of skin cancer. Monthly self-exams at home, in good light and using a mirror for hard-to-see areas, are an important complement to professional exams.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Men over age 50 face a disproportionately elevated risk for melanoma compared to the general population. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable.

Lung cancer screening (for men who smoke or have smoked)

Annual low-dose computed tomography (CT) scanning of the chest is recommended by the USPSTF for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years (equivalent to one pack per day for 20 years, or two packs per day for 10 years).⁶ Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Low-dose CT screening has been shown to significantly reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk individuals.

Men's health screening schedule by decade

The screenings a man needs and how frequently he needs them shift with age. The guide below reflects current recommendations from the USPSTF, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and other major health organizations.⁴⁶⁷ Family history, lifestyle factors, and overall health status can shift the timing or frequency of any screening. Talk with a primary care physician to build a schedule that fits your individual risk profile.

Men in their 20s

The 20s are the right time to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and create a baseline health record. Most healthy men in this decade are at lower risk for serious conditions, but the habits formed now carry forward for decades.

Key screenings for men in their 20s:

• Blood pressure: at least every two years if normal; more often if elevated or at risk
• Cholesterol (lipid panel): baseline screening starting at age 20; every four to six years if normal⁴
• Blood glucose: if overweight, obese, or with risk factors such as family history of diabetes
• Depression screening: annually (USPSTF recommendation for all adults 18 and older)⁶
• Skin: monthly self-exams; annual dermatologist exam if you have significant sun exposure, fair skin, or a family history of skin cancer
• STI screening: based on individual risk factors; discuss timing and scope with your doctor

Men in their 30s

Most men in their 30s remain at relatively low risk for serious conditions, but this decade is important for keeping screenings current and addressing any elevated results from earlier tests.

Key screenings for men in their 30s:

• Blood pressure: every two years if normal; annually if elevated or at risk
• Cholesterol (lipid panel): every four to six years if normal; more frequently with elevated readings or risk factors
• Blood glucose: if overweight, obese, or with risk factors; discuss timing with your doctor
• Depression screening: annually
• Skin exam: monthly self-checks; annual dermatologist exam if at elevated risk
• Annual physical exam: includes BMI assessment, blood pressure check, and a review of any new personal or family health history

Men in their 40s

The 40s are when several additional screenings become relevant for the first time, including a major cancer screening that many men do not expect until they are older.

Key screenings for men in their 40s:

• Blood pressure: annually
• Cholesterol (lipid panel): annually or every one to two years based on results and risk factors
• Blood glucose and diabetes: the USPSTF recommends beginning no later than age 35 for men who are overweight or obese; discuss frequency with your doctor⁶
• Colorectal cancer: schedule a colonoscopy or stool-based test starting at age 45⁷
• Prostate (PSA): if you are African American or have a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, discuss PSA screening with your doctor starting between ages 40 and 45⁶
• Eye exam: the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a baseline comprehensive eye exam by age 40.

Men in their 50s

The 50s bring more overlapping screening timelines, and for men who smoke or have smoked, the addition of an annual lung scan.

Key screenings for men in their 50s:

• Blood pressure: annually
• Cholesterol (lipid panel): annually or every one to two years
• Blood glucose and diabetes: every three years or more frequently based on risk factors and prior results
• Colorectal cancer: colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45, or an annual stool-based test⁷
• Prostate (PSA): shared-decision discussion with your doctor; USPSTF guidance applies to men ages 55 to 69⁶
• Lung cancer (low-dose CT): annually if you are between ages 50 and 80, currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years, and have a 20 pack-year smoking history⁶
• Full-body skin exam: annually

Men in their 60s

Most screenings from prior decades continue into the 60s. One important additional test becomes relevant at age 65 for men who have ever smoked.

Key screenings for men in their 60s:

• Blood pressure: annually
• Cholesterol (lipid panel): annually
• Blood glucose and diabetes: every three years or as directed by your physician
• Colorectal cancer: continue colonoscopy every 10 years or annual stool-based test⁷
• Prostate (PSA): continue shared-decision discussion with your doctor⁶
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) ultrasound: men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should receive a one-time abdominal ultrasound. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dangerous bulge in the aorta, the body's largest artery, that can rupture without warning. The USPSTF rates this a Grade B preventive service.⁶
• Lung cancer (low-dose CT): annually if eligible based on smoking history⁶
• Eye exam: annually

Men in their 70s

For men in their 70s in good general health, most preventive screenings continue. A few recommendations shift at this stage.

Key screenings for men in their 70s:

• Blood pressure: annually
• Blood glucose and diabetes: as directed by your physician
• Colorectal cancer: typically continue through age 75; continuation from ages 76 to 85 is a selective recommendation based on individual health and preference, per USPSTF guidance⁶
• Prostate (PSA): generally not recommended for men 70 and older per USPSTF guidance; discuss with your doctor⁶
• Lung cancer (low-dose CT): annually if eligible, through age 80⁶
• Full-body skin exam: annually
• Eye exam: annually
• Hearing assessment: discuss frequency with your physician

Men in their 80s and older

For men in their 80s and beyond, screening decisions are increasingly personalized based on overall health, life expectancy, and personal priorities.

Key screenings for men in their 80s and older:

• Blood pressure: annually or as directed
• Blood glucose and diabetes: as directed by your physician
• Eye exam: annually
• Full-body skin exam: annually
• Hearing assessment: annually
• Colorectal cancer: generally not recommended after age 85, per USPSTF guidance; discuss with your doctor⁶
• All remaining screenings: work with your primary care physician to determine which are appropriate based on your health history and current medical status

Frequently asked questions about men's preventive screenings

Is it necessary to see a doctor if I feel completely healthy?

Routine preventive care is necessary even when you feel completely healthy. Many of the most common and most dangerous conditions in men, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes, and early-stage colorectal cancer, produce no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. A screening appointment is not a visit to treat something you can already feel. It is a visit designed to find problems while they are still early and highly manageable. If a screening comes back normal, that result has real value too: it gives you and your doctor a verified baseline to compare against in future years.

At what age should men start getting screened for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screening is not a single universal starting age but a shared decision between a man and his doctor. The USPSTF recommends that men ages 55 to 69 discuss the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing with their physician before deciding whether to be screened.⁶ Men at higher risk, including African American men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, should start that conversation earlier, typically between ages 40 and 45. Your primary care physician can help you weigh your individual risk profile and make the decision that is right for you.

What is the difference between a colonoscopy and a stool-based test for colorectal cancer?

A colonoscopy and a stool-based test both serve the same purpose, but they work very differently. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a physician uses a flexible camera to visually examine the entire lining of the colon while the patient is under sedation. It is the most thorough option and is typically done every 10 years for adults at average risk. Stool-based tests, such as the annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the multi-target stool DNA test (Cologuard®), allow patients to collect a sample at home without sedation or bowel preparation, and they are done more frequently. Both are recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults.⁷ A positive stool-based result requires a follow-up colonoscopy as the next step.

My father had heart disease. Does that change when I should start cholesterol and cardiovascular screenings?

Family history is one of the most important factors your doctor will consider when scheduling cholesterol and cardiovascular screenings. If a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) was diagnosed with heart disease before age 55 in men or age 65 in women, your doctor may recommend more frequent cholesterol testing, earlier use of a cardiovascular risk assessment tool, and possibly additional evaluation. Share your complete family health history with your primary care physician so that your screening schedule reflects your actual risk, not just a standard timeline.

I have never smoked. Do I still need a lung cancer screening?

No. Annual low-dose CT lung cancer screening is recommended only for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or have quit within the last 15 years and who have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years, per USPSTF guidelines.⁶ If you have never smoked and have no other significant lung cancer risk factors, routine lung cancer screening is not currently recommended for you.

How often should men get a full-body skin exam?

For men at average risk, an annual full-body skin exam with a dermatologist is a sound practice. Men who have a personal or family history of skin cancer, significant lifetime sun exposure, fair skin, or a large number of moles should discuss a more structured schedule directly with a dermatologist. In between professional exams, all men should perform monthly self-checks, looking for any new spots or changes in the size, shape, or color of existing moles or lesions.

The right time to start is now

Most of the conditions these screenings detect are more manageable when found early. A primary care appointment is the starting point for all of them. Whether you are building a preventive care schedule for the first time or getting back on track after a gap in care, Texas Health has providers across the North Texas area ready to help.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Utilization of Ambulatory Medical Care by Women: United States, 1997-98 
2. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic Survey: Men Will Do Almost Anything to Avoid Going to the Doctor
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Mortality in the United States, 2024 (NCHS Data Brief No. 548)
4. American Heart Association. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report
6. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. USPSTF A and B Recommendations 
7. American Cancer Society.Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines 
8. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics
9. American Heart Association. Misguided masculinity keeps many men from visiting the doctor