Regular health screenings can help men identify potential problems before symptoms appear.
Here are the important health checks men should discuss with their doctor, especially after age 50.
Many men wait until something feels wrong before scheduling a doctor’s appointment. But when it comes to protecting your health as you get older, prevention can be just as important as treatment.
Routine medical checkups and recommended health screenings can help identify conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain cancers before they cause noticeable symptoms.
That becomes increasingly important with age.
For men over 50, a yearly visit with a healthcare provider is an opportunity to review overall health, medications, family history and lifestyle while determining which screenings are appropriate.
Not every test needs to be performed every year. Screening recommendations vary depending on age, medical history and individual risk factors. However, there are several important health checks every man should know about.
1. Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent” condition because it often produces no obvious warning signs.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems and other serious health complications.
Having your blood pressure checked regularly is one of the simplest preventive health measures available.
Adults with normal readings may not need formal screening every year, while men who are older or have elevated readings or other cardiovascular risk factors may need more frequent monitoring.
Your doctor can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your numbers and overall health.
2. Cholesterol
Cholesterol testing provides valuable information about cardiovascular health.
A standard blood test typically measures several types of cholesterol and fats in the bloodstream, including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
High levels of certain types of cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup inside the arteries and increase cardiovascular risk.
How frequently cholesterol should be checked depends on factors including age, previous results, family history and existing health conditions.
Even men who feel perfectly healthy can have abnormal cholesterol levels, making routine testing worth discussing during regular medical appointments.
3. Blood Sugar and Type 2 Diabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, sometimes without obvious symptoms.
Blood tests such as fasting blood glucose or an A1C test can help doctors identify diabetes or prediabetes.
Screening may be particularly important for men with risk factors such as excess weight, a family history of diabetes or certain cardiovascular risk factors.
Finding elevated blood sugar early can provide an opportunity to discuss diet, physical activity, weight management and, when appropriate, medical treatment.
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening becomes increasingly important in middle age.
For adults at average risk, screening generally begins at age 45. Several screening methods are available, including colonoscopy and certain stool-based tests.
The appropriate interval depends heavily on the test being used and the individual’s medical history.
A colonoscopy, for example, is generally not an annual screening for an average-risk person with normal results. Some stool-based screening methods are performed more frequently.
Men with a family history of colorectal cancer, previous polyps or certain medical conditions may need earlier or more frequent screening.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which option is appropriate for you.
5. Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is an important health consideration for aging men, but screening isn’t necessarily the same for everyone.
One commonly used screening tool is the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test.
Rather than automatically testing every man annually, doctors generally recommend discussing the potential benefits and limitations of prostate cancer screening based on age, family history and other individual risk factors.
A conversation with your healthcare provider can help determine whether PSA screening makes sense for you and how often it should be performed.
6. Skin Cancer Checks
Changes in the skin shouldn’t be ignored.
Men should become familiar with their skin and watch for new or changing spots, moles or lesions.
Warning signs worth bringing to a medical professional’s attention can include changes in a mole’s size, shape or color, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a new growth that looks unusual.
People with significant sun exposure, a history of skin cancer or other risk factors may benefit from professional skin examinations according to a schedule recommended by their healthcare provider.
Regular use of sun protection can also help reduce damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
7. Eye Exams
Vision naturally changes as people age, but an eye examination can reveal more than whether you need a new pair of glasses.
Comprehensive eye exams can help identify conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts and certain retinal problems.
Some health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, can also affect the eyes.
How frequently you need an examination depends on your age, vision, medical conditions and risk factors. Men with diabetes or existing eye conditions may require closer monitoring.
8. Hearing Checks
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook.
Someone may begin turning up the television, struggling to follow conversations in restaurants or repeatedly asking others to repeat themselves without realizing how much their hearing has changed.
Hearing difficulties can interfere with communication, work, relationships and everyday activities.
Men experiencing changes in hearing should discuss them with a healthcare provider, who may recommend a formal hearing evaluation.
9. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
This screening is particularly important for certain older men.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when part of the body’s main artery becomes enlarged. Because an aneurysm can sometimes exist without noticeable symptoms, screening is recommended for some people at increased risk.
Men between 65 and 75 who have smoked should ask their healthcare provider about a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Recommendations may differ for people who have never smoked or who have additional risk factors.
10. Lung Cancer Screening for Certain Smokers
Lung cancer screening isn’t recommended for everyone.
For people who meet specific age and smoking-history criteria, however, an annual low-dose CT scan may be recommended.
This generally applies to adults with a significant smoking history who currently smoke or quit within a specified period.
A healthcare provider can calculate smoking history and determine whether a patient meets current screening guidelines.
For people who currently smoke, quitting remains one of the most important steps they can take to improve long-term health.
11. Dental Exams
Oral health is an important part of overall health.
Regular dental examinations can help identify cavities, gum disease and other problems involving the teeth and mouth.
Dentists can also examine the mouth for suspicious changes that may require further evaluation.
The appropriate schedule depends on individual oral health and risk factors, so your dentist can recommend how frequently you should be examined.
12. Weight and Waist Measurement
Weight alone doesn’t provide a complete picture of health, but monitoring weight and body composition can help doctors evaluate certain health risks.
Excess body weight can be associated with an increased risk of conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnea.
During routine appointments, doctors may measure weight and calculate body mass index, commonly known as BMI. Waist circumference and other factors may also provide useful information.
The goal isn’t simply reaching a particular number on the scale. It’s understanding how weight, nutrition, physical activity and other factors fit into your overall health.
Don’t Forget Vaccinations
Preventive healthcare isn’t limited to laboratory tests and cancer screenings.
Vaccinations remain important throughout adulthood.
Depending on age, medical history and previous vaccinations, a healthcare provider may recommend vaccines protecting against illnesses such as influenza, shingles, pneumonia, tetanus and other infections.
Your annual medical appointment is a convenient time to review your vaccination history and determine whether anything is due.
Your Annual Checkup Is Also About More Than Tests
A physical examination provides an opportunity to discuss health concerns that may not appear on a laboratory report.
Men should consider talking openly with their healthcare provider about sleep, energy levels, exercise, nutrition, urinary changes, sexual health, memory, stress and emotional well-being.
It’s also important to review prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
As people get older and medication lists become longer, regular reviews can help doctors identify possible interactions or determine whether particular medications are still necessary.
Family History Matters
One of the most valuable pieces of information you can give your doctor doesn’t require a blood test.
It’s your family medical history.
Having a parent, sibling or other close relative with certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes or other medical conditions can sometimes affect when screening should begin or how frequently it should occur.
If you aren’t sure about your family’s medical history, consider asking relatives what they know before your next appointment.
The Bottom Line
Preventive healthcare doesn’t guarantee that illness will never occur, but appropriate screening can help identify certain health problems earlier, sometimes before symptoms become obvious.
For men, particularly those over 50, regular visits with a healthcare professional provide an opportunity to review blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, cancer screening, vaccinations and other age-appropriate health concerns.
The key is remembering that there is no single annual screening checklist that applies to every man.
Age, family history, smoking history, previous test results, medications and existing medical conditions can all influence which screenings are appropriate and how often they should be performed.
Instead of waiting until something hurts, make preventive care part of your regular routine.
A simple conversation with your doctor today could help you understand what needs attention now — and what can safely wait until later.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Screening recommendations vary by individual. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about which tests and screening intervals are appropriate for you.
