by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN
Many men wait until something feels wrong before seeing a healthcare provider. But some of the most common health concerns — including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain cancers — may not cause obvious symptoms at first. Regular screenings can help identify health issues early, when they are often easier to treat.
Screening needs vary based on age, family history, lifestyle and personal risk factors, but the following guide offers a starting point for conversations with a healthcare provider.
In Your 20s
This is the decade to build a baseline. Men in their 20s should have their blood pressure checked regularly and talk with a medical provider about weight, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, tobacco use, and alcohol use. Cholesterol screening is also important for many adults, especially those with a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.
Sexual health screenings may also be recommended. This can include testing for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and hepatitis C, depending on age and risk factors. Even when a person feels healthy, testing can help protect both individual and community health.
In Your 30s
In your 30s, continue routine blood pressure and cholesterol checks. This is also a good time to review family history with a provider, especially if close relatives have had heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, prostate cancer, or other major health conditions.
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes may begin during this stage for adults who are overweight or obese, especially if additional risk factors are present. Finding elevated blood sugar early gives people more time to make lifestyle changes and reduce the risk of future complications.
In Your 40s
The 40s are an important time to become more intentional about preventive care. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings remain key. Men should also ask when to begin colorectal cancer screening, which is recommended for most adults beginning at age 45.
Some men may also need to begin conversations about prostate cancer screening during this decade, especially those at higher risk. A provider can help explain the benefits and risks of screening and whether earlier testing makes sense.
In Your 50s
In the 50s, colorectal cancer screening should be part of routine preventive care. Several screening options are available, including stool-based tests and colonoscopy, and a provider can help determine the best choice.
This is also the age range when many men should have a more detailed conversation about prostate cancer screening. Men with a history of heavy smoking should ask whether lung cancer screening is recommended.
In Your 60s and Beyond
Preventive care remains important after age 60. Men should continue recommended screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, colorectal cancer, and other conditions based on their health history.
Screenings are not one-size-fits-all. The best schedule is the one built with a healthcare provider who knows your age, history and risk factors. Make prevention part of the plan before symptoms appear.
About the author: Dr. Alison Young-Tan, an internal medicine/pediatrics physician, currently serves the community as medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk).