20 | CFHN
centralfloridahealthnews.com
MEDICAL ADVICE
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).
M
any 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. HN
Screenings Every Man 
Should Know About 
by DR. ALISON YOUNG-TAN

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