Men in the U.S. live shorter lives than women, often by five years or more, and much of that gap is due to preventable or manageable conditions. At the same time, many men skip routine check-ups, delay care, and avoid conversations about their health. This isn’t just unfortunate, it’s an avoidable pattern that costs lives.
Many of the leading threats to men’s health, like heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes, can be caught early or even prevented entirely with the right screenings. This post lays out a clear, age-based checklist of the tests every man should know about and discuss with a trusted primary care provider. And while we break these down by age, most of the recommendations carry forward: what applies in your 20s or 30s continues to matter in your 40s and 50s.
Why Screenings Matter
Roughly half of U.S. men don’t get annual checkups. In one national survey, 72% said they’d rather do chores than go to the doctor, and over 20% admitted they tend to wait until something feels “really bad” before seeking care. But many of the conditions that threaten men’s health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, often cause no symptoms at all in early stages.
Screenings are not about chasing lab numbers. They’re about catching problems early, when they’re easier to manage, or avoiding them altogether through prevention. Below is a practical, evidence-based checklist of recommended screenings by age.
Your Men’s Health Screening Checklist by Age
Ages 18–29
- Blood Pressure: Start checking by age 18. If at or below normal, every 3–5 years; if elevated, annually or more often.
- Baseline Labs: Consider cholesterol and blood sugar (especially if overweight or with a family history of heart disease or diabetes).
- STI Screening: HIV testing at least once in adulthood, and other tests as needed depending on sexual activity.
- Mental Health: Depression and anxiety are common and often underrecognized in young men, screening can help.
- Vaccines: Annual flu shot; HPV vaccine if not received as a teen (recommended through age 26); COVID updates as advised.
Ages 30-39
- Blood Pressure: Continue regular monitoring — annually if not already doing so.
- Cholesterol & Blood Sugar: Screen every 3–5 years (more often if abnormal or at higher risk).
- Diabetes Screening: Begin at age 35 if overweight, or earlier with other risk factors.
- Waist Circumference: Increased risk of metabolic disease when waist exceeds 40 inches.
- Testicular Cancer Awareness: While no official screening is recommended, men aged 20–34 should be familiar with their normal anatomy and report any changes promptly.
Ages 40–49
- Cardiovascular Labs: Lipids and glucose at least every 1–3 years, more if abnormal.
- Colon Cancer Risk Review: If you have a family history or symptoms, screening may begin early.
- Prostate Cancer Discussion: For men at higher risk (Black men or those with a strong family history), conversations may begin in the 40s.
Ages 50 and up
- Colon Cancer Screening: For average-risk men, begin at age 45. Colonoscopy every 10 years or stool tests more frequently.
- Prostate Cancer Screening: Shared decision-making around PSA testing typically begins at 55 and continues through age 69.
- Hearing & Vision: Include screenings for hearing loss and eye exams, particularly after 60.
- Vaccines: Add shingles vaccine (age 50+), pneumococcal vaccine (65+ or younger with chronic conditions), and continue tetanus boosters.
Know Your Numbers
A few key numbers can go a long way in protecting your health. These are ideal targets to discuss with your provider:
- Blood Pressure: At or below 120/80 mmHg
- Total Cholesterol: At or below 200 mg/dL
- LDL (“Bad” Cholesterol): At or below 100 mg/dL
- HDL (“Good” Cholesterol): Above 40 mg/dL
- A1c (Blood Sugar): At or below 5.7%
- Waist Circumference: At or below 40 inches
Don’t Wait for Symptoms
The most important message in this checklist is this: you don’t have to wait until something feels wrong to take care of yourself. The best time to find and address a health problem is before it causes damage. That’s what screenings are for, and most of them are simple, inexpensive, and quick.
At Sana Sana Clinic, we approach preventive care as a conversation, not a lecture. We take the time to learn your history, understand your goals, and tailor your care to what makes sense for you. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, it’s never too early — or too late — to get back on track.
Your future self will thank you.
