Regular health checks for men are crucial even when feeling healthy. These visits help screen for health issues, assess risk for future problems and encourage healthy lifestyles. Plus, it is recommended to talk with your doctor about the best health screenings for your individual needs.
Health checks for men – Blood pressure measurement
- What it is: This test measures how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It’s quick, painless, and usually done with a blood pressure monitor.
- Why it is important for men: High blood pressure usually has no early signs so the only way to know is to check it by medical tests for men. If ignored, it can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, strokes and damage to organs like the brain, kidneys and eyes. Men at higher risk should get tested every year.
- When to check: People aged 18–39 with normal blood pressure and no risk factors should check every 2–5 years. People aged 40 or those at higher risk should have their blood pressure checked every year.
Bowel cancer screening
- What it is: This test checks your large intestine and rectum for any unusual changes. It can be done with a camera or a stool test (FIT) that looks for hidden blood – a possible sign of cancer or polyps.
- Why it is important for men: Bowel cancer is more common in men and screening helps catch it early. A colonoscopy can find and remove polyps – small growths that may turn into cancer. If you notice bleeding or changes in your bowel habits, see a doctor.
- When to check: Most men should start screening at 45. If you use a stool test (FIT), do it every 1–2 years. If your colonoscopy is clear, you only need it every 10 years. Other methods may be repeated every 3–5 years.
Diabetes screening
- What it is: Health checks for men include checking for or high blood sugar levels. This can be done through various tests that assess blood glucose levels.
- Why it is important for men: Nearly 23% of American adults live with undiagnosed diabetes and 38% have prediabetes. Men are more likely to get Type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. Early stages of diabetes may not have symptoms, making screening crucial.
- When to check: Screening usually starts at 35 and repeats every 3 years or earlier and more often if you’re overweight, have high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes.
Prostate cancer screening
- What it is: Tests to help detect early signs of prostate cancer. This can include a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and/or a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. A doctor may also check prostate health during a physical exam.
- Why it is important for men: Prostate cancer is one of the most common and the second leading cause of cancer death. It often grows quietly so early medical tests for men are key to catch it before it spreads.
- When to check: Watch for signs like trouble peeing, blood in urine or semen, or pain in the lower back or hips. Regular screening helps spot problems early when treatment works best.
Cholesterol screening
- What it is: Checking your levels of cholesterol – a fat-like substance found in your body’s cells. A full lipid screen is a type of blood test for this.
- Why it is important for men: Higher cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. Symptoms may not appear in the early stages so screening is necessary to check.
- When to check: Screening for men with no known risk factors should begin at age 35 and at age 20 for those with known risk factors.Repeat screening is recommended every 5 years or more often if your health or lifestyle changes or if you have diabetes/ heart disease.
June is Men’s health month. Many men face silent battles from undiagnosed health issues to unspoken emotional struggles. It is a reminder that looking after your body and mind matters, starting from health checks for men. At Lotus, we’re here to support you as a safe disability accommodation in Gold Coast that feels like home. Every man deserves to feel seen, supported and never alone on his journey to better health!
