Men's Health Checkups by Age: Screenings You Shouldn't Skip
Men are less likely to see a doctor regularly. This age-by-age guide covers key screenings for men, from blood pressure and cholesterol to colorectal and lung cancer.
Key takeaways
- Men are less likely than women to get regular checkups, but many serious conditions have no early symptoms.
- Blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol checks are important starting in early adulthood.
- Colorectal cancer screening begins at 45, and men 55 to 69 should discuss PSA testing with their doctor.
- Men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should get a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Many men put off seeing a doctor until something feels wrong. Surveys consistently show that men are less likely than women to have a regular health care provider or get routine checkups. But conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers often have no symptoms in their early stages.
Regular screenings help find problems early, when they're easier to treat. Here's a decade-by-decade guide for men at average risk, based on recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and other expert groups. Under the Affordable Care Act, many of these services are covered without a copay by most private insurance plans.
Your personal screening plan may differ based on your family history, race and ethnicity, lifestyle, and health conditions. Use this as a conversation starter with your provider.
Screenings for all adult men
- Blood pressure: Every 3 to 5 years for ages 18 to 39 with normal readings and no risk factors; every year from age 40 or if at increased risk. See understanding blood pressure numbers.
- Depression and anxiety: At routine visits.
- HIV: At least once between ages 15 and 65, and more often if at increased risk.
- Hepatitis C: At least once for adults 18 to 79.
- Alcohol and tobacco use: Your doctor can help if you want to cut back or quit.
- Dental, vision, and hearing checks: Regularly throughout life.
Your 20s and 30s
- Establish care with a primary care provider and share your family history.
- Cholesterol: Discuss testing with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of early heart disease.
- Sexual health: Testing for sexually transmitted infections based on risk.
- Skin checks: Watch for new or changing moles, especially if you have fair skin or a history of sunburns.
- Testicular awareness: Testicular cancer is most common in men 15 to 35. Know what's normal for you and report any lump, swelling, or heaviness to your doctor.
- Vaccines: Stay up to date on tetanus (Td/Tdap every 10 years), flu, and others your doctor recommends.
Your 40s
- Blood pressure: Every year.
- Diabetes: Screening every 3 years for adults 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity.
- Cholesterol and heart risk: Your doctor may calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk. Learn more in cholesterol explained.
- Colorectal cancer: Begins at age 45. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests, such as an annual FIT. Black men and those with a family history may need to start earlier.
- Prostate cancer discussion: Men at higher risk, including Black men and those with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, may want to talk with their doctor about PSA testing in their 40s.
Your 50s
- Colorectal cancer: Continue screening.
- Prostate cancer: The USPSTF recommends that men 55 to 69 make an individual decision about PSA screening with their doctor, after discussing potential benefits and harms. Read our prostate health guide.
- Lung cancer: Yearly low-dose CT for adults 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years.
- Shingles vaccine: Two doses starting at age 50.
Your 60s and 70s
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): A one-time ultrasound for men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. An AAA is a bulge in the main artery in your abdomen that can rupture if not found.
- Prostate cancer: The USPSTF recommends against routine PSA screening for men 70 and older.
- Colorectal cancer: Routine screening through 75; ages 76 to 85 should decide individually with their doctor.
- Bone health: Men can get osteoporosis too. Ask your doctor whether a bone density test makes sense, especially if you've had a fracture or take medications like long-term steroids.
- Fall risk, hearing, and vision: Get regular checks.
- Vaccines: Review pneumococcal, RSV, and other vaccines. See vaccines for adults over 50.
Quick reference table
| Screening | When to start | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Blood pressure | 18 | Yearly at 40+ |
| Diabetes | 35 (if overweight) | Every 3 years |
| Colorectal cancer | 45 | Depends on test |
| Lung cancer | 50 (if eligible) | Yearly |
| PSA (prostate) | 55 (discuss earlier if high risk) | Individual decision |
| AAA ultrasound | 65 (if ever smoked) | Once |
Making the most of your checkup
- Bring a list of medications and supplements
- Know your family history, especially heart disease, diabetes, and cancers
- Write down questions ahead of time
- Be honest about alcohol, tobacco, drug use, sexual health, and mood; your doctor has heard it all
The bottom line
Taking an hour each year for a checkup is one of the smartest investments a man can make. Many of the biggest threats to men's health are silent until they're advanced. Schedule your visit, know your numbers, and stay on top of recommended screenings.
Last reviewed and updated: September 30, 2026
This article is for general information only. It isn't medical advice and can't replace a visit with your doctor, pharmacist, or other licensed health professional who knows your history. Read our full medical disclaimer.
