Key Takeaways
- Men need different health screenings at different ages, starting with blood pressure and cholesterol checks in their 20s.
- Colorectal cancer screening now starts at age 45 for most adults, not 50.
- Most men should start talking with their doctor about prostate cancer screening around age 50, or sooner if they have risk factors.
- Many serious conditions, like high blood pressure, cause no symptoms, so regular checkups are the only way to catch them early.
- Prima CARE's primary care and men's health providers serving Somerset, Swansea and Fall River can build a screening plan that fits your age and health history. Request an appointment today to get started.
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Why Health Screenings Matter for Men at Every Age
A health screening is a test that looks for a health problem before you notice any symptoms. Finding a problem early often means simpler treatment and better results.
Many men only see a doctor when something feels wrong. The trouble is that some of the most common health risks for men feel like nothing at all. According to the American Heart Association's guide to heart health screenings, high blood pressure usually has no symptoms and can only be found by measuring it.
That is why a yearly visit with a Prima CARE family and internal medicine provider is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health.
Men's Health Screenings in Your 20s and 30s
Your 20s and 30s are the time to set a healthy baseline. A baseline is a set of first measurements that your doctor can compare against later.
Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association recommends checking blood pressure at each regular health care visit, or at least once a year if your blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury, the unit used to measure blood pressure).
Cholesterol
A cholesterol test, also called a fasting lipoprotein profile, measures your total, LDL ('bad') and HDL ('good') cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). The American Heart Association recommends this test every 4 to 6 years for adults at normal risk, and more often if your risk is higher.
Weight and Overall Wellness
Your doctor will also track your weight, ask about your mood, sleep and habits, and make sure your vaccines are up to date.
Men's Health Screenings in Your 40s
In your 40s, new screenings begin and some risks start to rise.
- Colorectal cancer: As reported by UCLA Health's article on colorectal cancer screening at age 45, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends that screening begin at age 45 rather than 50. Prima CARE offers colonoscopies through its GI endoscopy services.
- Blood sugar: The American Heart Association notes that the American Diabetes Association recommends testing for prediabetes starting at age 45, and blood glucose testing at least every 3 years.
- Heart health: Keep up with blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
Men's Health Screenings in Your 50s and 60s
Prostate Cancer Screening
According to Mayo Clinic's Q&A on prostate cancer screening, men should begin talking with a health care professional about prostate cancer screening around age 50. Together, you decide if a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test is right for you based on your risk level and age.
Mayo Clinic also notes that prostate cancer is deadlier for Black men in the U.S. than for men of other races. If you have a family history or other risk factors, ask about starting the conversation sooner.
Continued Screenings
Keep up with colorectal cancer screening, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks. Your doctor may also suggest other tests based on your history, such as imaging or lab work through Prima CARE's diagnostic radiology and lab services.
Men's Health Screenings at 65 and Older
After 65, screening becomes more personal. Some tests continue, while others may slow down or stop based on your health. Your provider will also look at bone health, hearing, vision, balance and memory.
Men's Health Screenings by Age at a Glance
| Age Range | Key Screenings to Discuss |
|---|---|
| 20s and 30s | Blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, mood and vaccines |
| 40s | All of the above, plus colorectal cancer screening at 45 and prediabetes testing at 45 |
| 50s and 60s | All of the above, plus a prostate cancer screening conversation around 50 |
| 65 and older | Personalized screening plan, plus bone, hearing, vision, balance and memory checks |
Your doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your family history and current health.
When Men's Health Goes Beyond Screenings
Some health concerns are hard for men to bring up, such as low energy, low sex drive or erectile dysfunction. These can be signs of conditions like low testosterone. The Prima CARE endocrinology and men's health team treats these issues with care and privacy.
Stay Ahead of Your Health With a Prima CARE Checkup in Somerset or Swansea
The right screenings at the right age help men catch problems early, when they are easier to treat. Prima CARE's providers can help you stay on track at every stage of life.
Schedule your annual physical with Prima CARE's family and internal medicine team and request an appointment through the Prima CARE patient portal, or find the phone number for a Prima CARE office near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What health screenings should a man get every year?
Most men should have a yearly physical that includes a blood pressure check, a weight check and a review of their health history. Other tests, like cholesterol and blood sugar, may be done every few years depending on your results and risk.
At what age should men start colon cancer screening?
The USPSTF recommends that adults at average risk start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. If you have a family history, your doctor may suggest starting earlier.
When should I get a PSA test?
Most men should start talking with their doctor about prostate cancer screening around age 50. Men with a family history or higher risk may start the conversation earlier.
Where can I find men's health screenings near me in Somerset or Swansea, MA?
Prima CARE has primary care providers serving Somerset, Swansea, Fall River, Westport and Tiverton. You can request an appointment through the patient portal or call your nearest office.
Does insurance cover preventive screenings for men?
Many insurance plans cover recommended preventive screenings. Check with your insurance company and visit Prima CARE's insurance and billing page for more details.
