You do not have to wait until that dreadful visit to the doctor because you are experiencing some acute pain in some part of your body, losing weight unexplainably, passing blood in your stool or have difficulty passing urine. Men are known to be quite dismissive when it comes to their health and would rather ignore those routine visits to the doctor.
Preventive health screenings are essential for the earlier diagnosis and identification of chronic diseases before they blow up into serious problems. This is because most chronic conditions develop silently and would normally show when they would have reached a life-threatening stage.
Some of these health screenings may seem to younger men as unimportant but all men from all age groups need to consider them so let us explore the health screenings that every man should get.
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1.Prostate Health Screening
The prostate is a walnut sized organ found just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is responsible for reproduction in men by helping in the production of semen. The prostate may be affected by prostate cancer, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate affects men of all ages) and Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (age related prostate growth). Some of the symptoms of prostate problems are difficulty urinating, pelvic pain and discomfort, back pain, painful ejaculation, leaking bladder, frequent or weak urination and also inability to pass urine.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is the method or screening that is done to detect prostate problems through the detection of antigens. However, before doing it, you should speak to your doctor regarding the pros and cons or risks because according to Harvard Health Publishing, PSA may lead to excessive biopsies and overtreatment.
2. Blood pressure Screening
High blood pressure (Hypertension) is a condition where the pressure in your blood vessels is too high. According to WHO, 2025, Hypertension is the major cause of premature death worldwide and it affects adults from 30 years of age. Some of the symptoms include severe headaches, chest pains, ringing ears, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing among others. You become more prone to it as you age, live a sedentary lifestyle without physical activity, if you eat too much salt and if you smoke and drink.
Many may have hypertension and know it while those with severe pressure may experience the symptoms mentioned. It is advisable to have your blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare professional especially as you age to detect any anomalies.
3. Cholesterol Testing
Cholesterol is a waxy fatty substance which is made by the liver and is important for bodily functions like the making of hormones. There is good (High-density lipoprotein (HDL)) and bad (Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) cholesterol and the accumulation of the bad one may cause heart diseases and stroke(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
You are at a higher risk of having high cholesterol levels if you smoke, are overweight and have a family history of heart disease and this calls for you to always get screened for it on a regular basis. If you are generally healthy you should get checked every 4 to 6 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The test is just a simple blood draw and the blood gets tested for LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
4.Testicular Health Screening
Although it is not as common, testicular cancer is a condition that mostly affects younger men mostly between the ages of 15 to 45 years (Mayo Clinic). The screening should be done regularly especially monthly to look out for signs such as lumps, swelling, pain and changes in size. You can perform regular self examination at home or see a healthcare professional especially if you see the signs mentioned above.
The common tests for testicular cancer include blood tests and ultra sound scans (Mayo clinic).
5. Colon cancer screening
According World Health Organization, 2026, colon cancer or colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer affecting adults from the age of 30 years. Some of it’s symptoms are bloody stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation and low iron levels.
The health screenings that are done are physical examination, colonoscopy ( examining the inside of the colon), biopsy (for histopathology), molecular testing ( for detection of genetic mutations), abdominal ultrasound, and stool tests (World Health Organization).
6. Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects how your body turns food into energy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Men with obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes should undergo regular blood sugar testing because they are at a higher risk.
Diabetes can be detected through blood tests.
7. Mental Health Screening
Most men consider mental health issues as trivial but it can affect one’s physical health and sexual wellness. The World Health Organization emphasizes that mental wellness is essential for overall health and quality of life.
It is advisable to visit a professional therapist or counselor if you notice irritability, loss of motivation and sleep disturbances as this may spell that you have depression, chronic stress or anxiety.
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8. Skin Cancer screening
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Men who spend significant time outdoors may face higher risks due to sun exposure. Regular skin checks can help detect abnormalities early and if you experience abnormal changes on your skin you have to visit the dermatologist.
9. Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening
Common STIs include Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, Syphilis and some of them may develop in your body without you knowing, so if you are sexually active, you need to always get yourself checked to detect early and avoid complications.
10. Vision and Hearing Tests
Regular checks for the eyes and ears are very essential especially as you age to look out for conditions such as eye cataracts and Glaucoma.
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- About Cholesterol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Testing for Cholesterol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Diabetes Basics
- Harvard Health Publishing- Prostate Health
- World Health Organization- Hypertension Factsheets
- World Health Organization- Colorectal Cancer
- Mayo Clinic- Testicular cancer
Written by:
Laura Mlambo
Medically Reviewed by:
This article was reviewed by the OhHealthWorld Editorial Review Team using credible health resources and public health guidance to ensure accuracy and clarity for readers. Information is intended to support general wellness education and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Last Updated:
22 May 2026
