The Screenings Every Man Should Stop Putting Off — A Practical Guide by Age

The Screenings Every Man Should Stop Putting Off — A Practical Guide by Age

Let's be honest: most men don't love going to the doctor. If you feel fine, it's easy to tell yourself there's nothing to check on. But here's the problem — many of the conditions that hit men hardest, including heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes, often develop quietly for years before causing symptoms. Preventive screenings exist precisely for this reason.

At AmpleHealth, Dr. Dheeraj Kamra and our team work with men in Carmichael and Sacramento to make preventive care straightforward and stress-free. Here's a plain-language breakdown of what you should be getting screened for and when.

In Your 20s and 30s

You're not too young for preventive care. At this stage, the priorities are:

• Blood pressure: High blood pressure affects men at younger ages than many realize. It should be checked at every visit — at least every 2 years if normal.
• Cholesterol: A baseline lipid panel is recommended starting at age 35, or earlier if you have risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.
• Blood glucose/prediabetes: If you're overweight or have risk factors, screening for type 2 diabetes should start now — not in your 50s.
• STI screening: Sexually active men should discuss STI screening, including HIV, with their provider.

In Your 40s

This decade is when risk profiles shift and monitoring becomes more important.

• Blood pressure and cholesterol: Continue regular monitoring, especially if numbers have been borderline.
• Blood glucose: Annual or biennial screening is appropriate for many men in this age group.
• Prediabetes and diabetes: The CDC estimates over 1 in 3 American adults has prediabetes — and most don't know it.
• Discuss prostate health: PSA screening for prostate cancer is a nuanced decision. Talk with Dr. Kamra about your personal risk, family history, and whether testing makes sense for you.

In Your 50s and Beyond

This is when several critical screenings come online:

• Colorectal cancer screening: Starting at age 45, all men should be screened. Options include colonoscopy every 10 years or stool-based tests done more frequently.
• Lung cancer screening: If you're 50–80, have a 20-pack-year smoking history, and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years, annual low-dose CT screening is recommended.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): Men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked should have a one-time ultrasound screening.
• Osteoporosis: Often overlooked in men, bone density testing may be appropriate depending on your risk factors.

The Bottom Line

Preventive screenings aren't about looking for problems — they're about catching things early, when options are broadest and outcomes are best. Most of these tests are quick, covered by insurance, and can be coordinated through your annual wellness visit.

Ready to get current on your screenings? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kamra at AmpleHealth in Carmichael or Sacramento. A single visit could be one of the most important things you do this year.