Celebrate Men’s Health Month With a Health Screening

Below, you will find the recommended screenings for all men, depending on age. If you haven’t had any of your annual screenings yet, now is the time! There is nothing more “manly” than taking care of your health so you can be there for your family and friends and lead as an example of how to live a life that supports your wellbeing.

Age 20 and up:

Get an annual physical exam by your primary care provider, including blood pressure and height/weight checks.

Annually screen for testicular/prostate cancer, including monthly self-exams.

Have cholesterol testing annually at your physical.

Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver conditions and anemia.

Depending on risk factors, screen for skin cancer, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection, and alcohol and drug misuse.

At age 30, screen for coronary heart disease, especially with a strong family history of the disease and/or risk factors.

At age 40, screen for thyroid disease, liver problems, anemia and prostate cancer.

At age 50, screen for cholesterol every five years; annually screen for type 2 diabetes; lipid disorders; and skin, colorectal and lung cancer. Obtain a shingles vaccine.

At age 60, screen for age-related eye conditions, depression, osteoporosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and the risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm (if you were ever a smoker). Have a carotid artery ultrasound done and an annual hearing check. Obtain a pneumococcal vaccine.

At age 70, depending on previous findings, some screenings may be done every six months.

Sources:

“November Is Men’s Health Awareness Month,” Larry Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN, Excelsior College, Nov. 13, 2018.