Men’s health: Don’t skip these screenings

Less than half of U.S. men get regular health screenings, according to a 2023 national survey by the Cleveland Clinic, despite having higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and other health conditions. Men also are more likely than women to smoke, drink too much alcohol, and make unhealthy or risky choices, which increase the chances of chronic health conditions.   

Why do so many men avoid regular preventive care? One reason may be that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other risk factors do not have obvious symptoms that prompt a healthcare visit. Men also reported feeling fearful of judgment or bad news, worried about cost, embarrassed to talk about certain health issues, and resistant to changing their lifestyle habits.

June is National Men’s Health Month and the perfect opportunity to check in with the men in your life:

• When is the last time they saw a primary care provider?

• Are they aware they should see a provider at least once a year once they turn 40?

• Do they know that even if they feel healthy, they may have “silent” conditions like hypertension, pre-diabetes, or even early-stage cancer?

• Have you shared why their health is important to you?   

Recommended screenings for men.

These are general guidelines. Family history, ethnicity, lifestyle habits, and other factors can increase frequency or age recommendations for screenings. Seek a primary care provider for what's best for you.

Blood pressure

• Screening age: All

• How often: At least once a year

Cholesterol

• Screening age: 20+

• How often: At least every 4-6 years

Colorectal screening options

• Screening age: 45-75

• How often:

  • Colonoscopy: Every 10 years

  • At-home screening: Every 1-3 years

Dental exam

• Screening age: All

• How often: Once or twice a year

Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes

• Screening age: 35, if overweight

• How often: Every 3 years

Hepatitis C

• Screening age: 18-79

• How often: At least once

HIV

• Screening age: 15-65

• How often: At least once

Lung Cancer

• Screening age: 50-80 with 20-pack/year smoking history

• How often: Talk to your provider

Osteoporosis

• Screening age: 50-69

• How often: Talk to your provider if you have risk factors

Height, weight, body mass index

• Screening age: All

• How often: Every exam

Depression

• Screening age: All

• How often: Every exam

Prostate

• Screening age: 55-69

• How often: Talk to your provider

Updated April 2026

‍Sources: Medline Plus - Men’s Health, AARP, UCLA Health, Cleveland Clinic