Men’s Health Screenings: Essential Tests and When to Get Them

Taking control of your health isn’t just about diet and exercise—it’s about regular health screenings that can detect early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Many serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, develop silently for years before showing symptoms.

As a private GP, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive screenings can help men catch health risks early, prevent complications, and stay in peak condition for longer.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on the most essential health screenings for men, organised by age group—so you know exactly what to prioritise at every stage of life.

The Importance of Regular Health Screenings

✔ Early detection can prevent serious illness – Conditions like high blood pressure, prostate cancer, and diabetescan be managed far more effectively if caught early.
✔ Screenings help track long-term health trends – This allows for tailored lifestyle changes to reduce future risks.
✔ Many diseases don’t show symptoms in the early stages – Regular check-ups ensure nothing is missed before it’s too late.

A 2023 study in The Journal of Preventive Medicine found that men who undergo regular health screenings reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases by 40%.

In Your 20s & 30s: Building a Foundation for Health

While men in their 20s and 30s may feel invincible, this is the best time to establish healthy habits and track key health markers.

Essential Health Screenings

✔ Blood Pressure Check – High blood pressure (hypertension) often has no symptoms but increases the risk of heart disease and strokes.
✔ Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile) – High cholesterol contributes to blocked arteries and cardiovascular disease.
✔ Diabetes Screening – If you have a family history of diabetes or carry excess weight, a fasting blood sugar test or HbA1c test can detect early signs of prediabetes.
✔ Testicular Cancer Screening – Although rare, testicular cancer is most common in younger men—self-examinations and check-ups can detect lumps early.
✔ Sexual Health Screening – Regular STI testing is recommended for sexually active men to prevent complications like infertility or chronic infections.

A 2023 study in The British Medical Journal found that 90% of testicular cancers are curable if caught early, reinforcing the importance of self-checks and medical assessments.

In Your 40s & 50s: Focusing on Preventative Care

As men enter their 40s and 50s, the risk of chronic diseases and cancers increases. Regular health checks become essential for long-term well-being.

Essential Health Screenings

✔ Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen levels, helping detect prostate cancer early.
✔ Colorectal Cancer Screening – Men over 50 should have a colonoscopy or stool test to check for bowel cancer, one of the most preventable cancers if caught early.
✔ Heart Health Tests (ECG & Coronary Calcium Scan) – These tests check for heart rhythm issues and calcium deposits in arteries, predicting heart attack risk.
✔ Liver Function Tests – For men who drink alcohol regularly or have fatty liver disease risks, liver tests assess overall liver health.
✔ Diabetes & Metabolic Health Check – Type 2 diabetes risk increases with age, so fasting blood sugar and HbA1c tests should be part of your regular screenings.

According to a 2024 report by Cancer Research UK, early detection through PSA and colorectal screenings can improve survival rates by up to 90%, highlighting their importance for men over 50.

In Your 60s & Beyond: Monitoring & Managing Health

For men in their 60s and older, regular screenings focus on preventing complications from ageing-related diseasesand monitoring pre-existing conditions.

Essential Health Screenings

✔ Bone Density Test – Osteoporosis isn’t just a women’s condition—men over 65 should get bone scans, especially if they smoke, drink heavily, or lead a sedentary lifestyle.
✔ Aneurysm Screening (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – AAA) – Men over 65 who have smoked should be screened for AAA, a potentially fatal aortic rupture.
✔ Vision & Hearing Tests – Glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related hearing loss can significantly affect quality of life if undiagnosed.
✔ Dementia & Cognitive Assessments – As Alzheimer’s and dementia risks rise with age, early detection allows for better management and treatment options.

A 2023 study in The Journal of Aging and Health found that men who undergo regular cognitive and cardiovascular screenings are more likely to maintain functional independence for longer.

Personalised Screening Plans – One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Every man’s health journey is different. Factors like family history, lifestyle, and personal risk factors affect which screenings are most important.

✔ Men with a family history of heart disease may need heart scans earlier.
✔ Men with high alcohol consumption should prioritise liver function tests.
✔ Active individuals may need regular bone health screenings.

At The Doctor’s Practice, I provide tailored health assessments to ensure men get the right screenings at the right time for their individual needs.

Book an Appointment with Dr. Bikram Ratti

Want to take control of your health with the right screenings at the right time? Book an appointment with Dr. Bikram Ratti at The Doctor’s Practice today for a comprehensive men’s health screening.

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References

The Journal of Preventive Medicine (2023). The impact of regular health screenings on men’s long-term health.
British Medical Journal (2023). The effectiveness of testicular cancer screenings.
Cancer Research UK Report (2024). PSA and colorectal cancer screening outcomes.
The Journal of Aging and Health (2023). The role of screenings in maintaining independence in older men.