What health checkups men need by age
Most men need a blood pressure check at least every few years from 18 and yearly from 40, a one-time check for hepatitis C and HIV, cholesterol and diabetes risk checks from about 35 to 40, and colorectal cancer screening from 45. Lung, prostate and aortic screening decisions come later and depend on your history. Ask a clinician which apply to you.
About 20 minutes to learnSafety critical: tightly scoped, know when to call a professional
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How to do it
- Book a regular checkup with a primary care clinician, even if you feel fine.
- From 18, have your blood pressure measured at least every three to five years, and every year from 40 or if it runs high.
- Ask for the one-time blood tests for hepatitis C and HIV recommended for adults, and about other infection testing if you have new partners.
- From your mid-thirties to forties, ask about cholesterol and blood sugar tests, especially if you carry extra weight or it runs in your family.
- From 45, start colorectal cancer screening and ask which test suits you.
- From 50, ask about lung cancer screening if you have smoked heavily, and from 55 talk through the pros and cons of prostate screening.
- Keep up yearly flu shots, a tetanus booster every ten years, dental cleanings and eye exams.
- Write down your family history of heart disease, cancer and diabetes and bring it, since it can move these ages earlier.
Stop and call a professional if
- Always: book with a primary care clinician to set your own schedule; recommendations change and depend on your history.
- Any symptom such as blood in stool or urine, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or a new lump: see a clinician now, not at the next checkup.
- This page explains what to watch for; it cannot tell you what is wrong. Only a clinician who examines you can.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for a symptom before seeing a doctor.
- Assuming a normal result years ago still stands.
- Leaving out family history, which changes when screening should start.
- Treating this list as a diagnosis or a substitute for a visit.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
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Teach: What health checkups men need by age
What to say
Most men need a blood pressure check at least every few years from 18 and yearly from 40, a one-time check for hepatitis C and HIV, cholesterol and diabetes risk checks from about 35 to 40, and colorectal cancer screening from 45. Lung, prostate and aortic screening decisions come later and depend on your history. Ask a clinician which apply to you.
What to show, in order
- Book a regular checkup with a primary care clinician, even if you feel fine.
- From 18, have your blood pressure measured at least every three to five years, and every year from 40 or if it runs high.
- Ask for the one-time blood tests for hepatitis C and HIV recommended for adults, and about other infection testing if you have new partners.
- From your mid-thirties to forties, ask about cholesterol and blood sugar tests, especially if you carry extra weight or it runs in your family.
- From 45, start colorectal cancer screening and ask which test suits you.
- From 50, ask about lung cancer screening if you have smoked heavily, and from 55 talk through the pros and cons of prostate screening.
- Keep up yearly flu shots, a tetanus booster every ten years, dental cleanings and eye exams.
- Write down your family history of heart disease, cancer and diabetes and bring it, since it can move these ages earlier.
When to stop and call a professional
- Always: book with a primary care clinician to set your own schedule; recommendations change and depend on your history.
- Any symptom such as blood in stool or urine, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or a new lump: see a clinician now, not at the next checkup.
- This page explains what to watch for; it cannot tell you what is wrong. Only a clinician who examines you can.
The check question
Ask: At what age do most adults start colorectal cancer screening?
Related skills
- How to prepare for a doctor's appointment
- How to take your blood pressure at home
- How to do a testicular self-check
- Every skill in Health and Body Upkeep
Words on this page
Sources
- National preventive services task force recommendations, current recommendations. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .