Routine screening tests for men

Blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms and cannot be detected unless tested for. High blood pressure significantly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. If your blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, get checked at least once every 2 years starting at age 20. If your blood pressure is higher than 120/80 mmHg, get it checked more often.

Cholesterol/heart disease. Get your lipid panel checked every 4-6 years for normal-risk people, starting at age 20. Get checked more often if you have a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes. Get your blood glucose checked at least every 3 years starting at age 45.

Colorectal cancer. Most people should get their firs colonoscopy at age 50, followed by every 10 years, usually until the age of 75.

Prostate cancer. All men should get a baseline PSA test and a digital rectal exam starting at age 40, followed by once a year. African-American men have a higher risk for prostate cancer and often have more aggressive disease.

Testicular cancer. USPSTF does not recommend routine testicular cancer screenings. ACS recommends that men have testicular exams during annual physical exam. Discuss with doctor.

High Blood Cholesterol. If you are 35 or older, have your blood cholesterol checked regularly with a blood test. High cholesterol increases your chance of heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever been a smoker, (smoked 100 or more cigarettes in your lifetime) get screened once for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Depression. Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Talk to your doctor or nurse about being screened for depression, especially if you often feel down, sad, or hopeless and have little interest or pleasure in doing things.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Get screened one time for HCV infection if you were born between 1945 and 1965, you have ever injected drugs, or you received a blood transfusion before 1992. If you currently are an injection drug user, you should be screened regularly.

HIV. If you are 65 or younger, get screened for HIV. If you are older than 65, ask your doctor or nurse whether you should be screened.

Overweight and Obesity. The best way to learn if you are overweight or obese is to find your body mass index. Being overweight or obese can lead to other serious health conditions that can be life-threatening.