The Complete Guide to Essential Health Screenings for Men:
The Complete Guide to Essential Health Screenings for Men:
Evidence-Based Recommendations by Age and Risk Factor
Published by Arsenal Men's Health | Clinical Review: Courtney LaSumner Bass, NP
Last Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 18 minutes
Introduction: Why Preventive Screenings Matter for Men
Men in the United States face a significant health paradox: despite having access to advanced medical care, they consistently underutilize preventive health services. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American men have a life expectancy approximately five years shorter than women, with men's average life expectancy at 74.8 years compared to nearly 80 years for women.
Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a healthcare provider within the past year, and 22% more likely to skip recommended preventive screenings. A 2021 Cleveland Clinic survey found that 65% of men reported avoiding regular doctor visits, with 37% admitting they withheld health information from their providers due to fear of potential diagnoses.
This avoidance pattern has profound consequences. Many of the leading causes of death among men—including heart disease, cancer, and stroke—are highly preventable or treatable when detected early through routine screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) emphasizes that evidence-based screening can reduce mortality from these conditions by 20-50% when implemented according to clinical guidelines.
At Arsenal Men's Health, we believe that understanding which screenings you need—and when you need them—is fundamental to taking control of your health. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based recommendations organized by body system and age, drawing from peer-reviewed research and clinical practice guidelines from leading medical organizations.
Cardiovascular Health Screenings
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among American men, responsible for approximately one in four male deaths annually. The American Heart Association reports that nearly half of all adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease. The insidious nature of cardiovascular conditions—many develop silently over decades—makes regular screening essential for early intervention.
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Why It Matters: Hypertension, often called the "silent killer," affects approximately 47% of American adults. Elevated blood pressure significantly increases risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. Most individuals experience no symptoms until organ damage has occurred.
Current Guidelines: The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association classify blood pressure as follows:
Category
Reading (mmHg)
Action Required
Normal
<120/<80
Recheck annually; maintain lifestyle
Elevated
120-129/<80
Lifestyle modification; recheck in 3-6 months
Stage 1 HTN
130-139/80-89
Confirm diagnosis; assess CVD risk; consider medication
Stage 2 HTN
≥140/≥90
Medication typically indicated; lifestyle modification
Screening Frequency: For men under 40 with normal readings and no risk factors, the USPSTF recommends screening every 3-5 years. Men 40 and older, or those with elevated readings, diabetes, obesity, or family history of hypertension should be screened annually or more frequently as directed by their healthcare provider.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Screening)
Why It Matters: Dyslipidemia—abnormal cholesterol levels—is a primary risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to arterial plaque formation, while low HDL cholesterol reduces the body's ability to remove harmful lipids from the bloodstream.
What's Measured: A comprehensive lipid panel includes total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. The 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines emphasize using lipid values in conjunction with the Pooled Cohort Equations to calculate 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.
Optimal Values:
Total Cholesterol: <200 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol: <100 mg/dL (lower for high-risk individuals)
HDL Cholesterol: >40 mg/dL (>60 mg/dL is protective)
Triglycerides: <150 mg/dL
Screening Frequency: The USPSTF recommends initiating cholesterol screening at age 35 for men at average risk, or earlier (age 20-35) for those with diabetes, tobacco use, hypertension, obesity, or family history of premature cardiovascular disease. After initial screening, frequency depends on risk level—every 5 years for low-risk individuals, annually for those on lipid-lowering therapy or with elevated cardiovascular risk.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Why It Matters: Individual risk factors provide incomplete pictures. The Pooled Cohort ASCVD Risk Equations, developed by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, integrate multiple variables—age, sex, race, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, blood pressure treatment status, diabetes status, and smoking status—to estimate 10-year and lifetime cardiovascular risk.
When to Calculate: Risk calculation is recommended for all men aged 40-79 without existing cardiovascular disease. The results guide intensity of preventive interventions, particularly statin therapy decisions. A 10-year risk ≥7.5% generally warrants discussion of moderate-intensity statin therapy, while risk ≥20% often indicates high-intensity statin treatment.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
Why It Matters: Abdominal aortic aneurysms cause approximately 10,000 deaths annually in the United States, often without warning. AAA occurs when the wall of the aorta weakens and balloons outward; rupture is frequently fatal before emergency treatment can be administered. Men are 4-6 times more likely than women to develop AAA.
USPSTF Recommendation: One-time screening with abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked (even if they quit decades ago). This Grade B recommendation reflects strong evidence that screening reduces AAA-related mortality. For men in this age group who have never smoked, screening may be offered based on individual risk factors and family history (Grade C recommendation).
Metabolic Health Screenings
Diabetes and Prediabetes Screening
Why It Matters: Approximately 37.3 million Americans have diabetes, with an additional 96 million adults having prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes significantly increases risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-extremity amputation. Critically, up to 30% of individuals with diabetes are undiagnosed, missing opportunities for early intervention when lifestyle modifications are most effective.
Screening Methods:
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Normal <100 mg/dL; Prediabetes 100-125 mg/dL; Diabetes ≥126 mg/dL
Hemoglobin A1C: Normal <5.7%; Prediabetes 5.7-6.4%; Diabetes ≥6.5%
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Two-hour plasma glucose <140 mg/dL (normal); 140-199 mg/dL (prediabetes); ≥200 mg/dL (diabetes)
Who Should Be Screened: The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35-70 who have overweight or obesity. The American Diabetes Association expands screening recommendations to include adults of any age with BMI ≥25 (≥23 for Asian Americans) who have one or more additional risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, first-degree relative with diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, or physical inactivity.
Thyroid Function Testing
Why It Matters: While thyroid disorders are less common in men than women, they can significantly impact energy levels, metabolism, mood, cognitive function, and sexual health. Hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and erectile dysfunction—symptoms often mistakenly attributed to normal aging or low testosterone.
What's Measured: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the primary screening test. Free T4 (thyroxine) and Free T3 (triiodothyronine) may be measured to evaluate thyroid hormone production when TSH is abnormal.
When to Screen: The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend routine thyroid screening in asymptomatic adults. However, testing is appropriate for men with symptoms suggesting thyroid dysfunction, those with autoimmune conditions, individuals with family history of thyroid disease, or patients with unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood disturbances.
Hormone Health: Testosterone Assessment
Testosterone deficiency affects an estimated 2-6 million American men, with prevalence increasing with age. The condition significantly impacts quality of life, affecting energy, mood, cognitive function, body composition, bone density, and sexual health. Despite its prevalence, testosterone deficiency remains underdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms and provider unfamiliarity with current guidelines.
Understanding Testosterone Testing
Why It Matters: Low testosterone (hypogonadism) is associated with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, diminished bone density, fatigue, depressed mood, and impaired cognitive function. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism demonstrates that symptomatic testosterone deficiency responds favorably to appropriate treatment, with improvements in multiple domains of health and well-being.
Current Guidelines: The American Urological Association (AUA) and Endocrine Society have established evidence-based guidelines for testosterone testing and treatment:
Diagnostic Threshold: Total testosterone <300 ng/dL on two separate morning measurements (AUA) or consistently low serum testosterone (Endocrine Society)
Symptom Requirement: Diagnosis requires both low testosterone AND clinical symptoms/signs of deficiency
Morning Testing: Samples should be collected between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels peak
Comprehensive Testing Panel: A thorough evaluation includes:
Total Testosterone: Primary screening measure
Free Testosterone: Bioavailable hormone not bound to proteins
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Affects testosterone bioavailability
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Differentiates primary from secondary hypogonadism
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Assesses testicular function and fertility
Prolactin: Rules out pituitary pathology
Complete Blood Count: Baseline and monitoring for erythrocytosis
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Baseline prostate health assessment
Who Should Be Tested: Guidelines from both the AUA and Endocrine Society recommend against routine population screening. However, testing is appropriate for men presenting with:
Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
Unexplained fatigue or decreased energy
Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat
Depressed mood or cognitive changes
Type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
Chronic opioid use or glucocorticoid therapy
History of infertility or testicular disorders
Unexplained anemia or osteoporosis
Cancer Screenings
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among American men. Early detection through appropriate screening significantly improves survival rates for several cancer types. Understanding which screenings are recommended—and which should prompt shared decision-making with your healthcare provider—empowers you to make informed choices about your preventive care.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Why It Matters: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 299,000 new cases and 35,000 deaths annually. However, prostate cancer screening is unique among cancer screenings due to the potential for overdiagnosis—detecting cancers that would never cause symptoms or death.
Screening Methods:
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Blood test measuring PSA protein. Levels >4.0 ng/mL typically warrant further evaluation, though interpretation depends on age, race, and PSA trends over time.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Physical examination of the prostate to detect abnormalities in size, shape, or texture.
USPSTF Recommendations:
Men 55-69: Shared decision-making recommended (Grade C). Benefits and harms should be discussed, with screening offered based on individual values and preferences.
Men ≥70: Routine PSA screening not recommended (Grade D).
High-Risk Men: African American men and those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer may benefit from earlier screening conversations (beginning at age 40-45).
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Why It Matters: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in American men. Screening is highly effective because it can detect precancerous polyps (adenomas) that can be removed before progressing to cancer. The USPSTF estimates that screening reduces colorectal cancer mortality by 33% through early detection and polyp removal.
USPSTF Recommendations:
Adults 45-49: Screening recommended (Grade B) - 2021 update lowered starting age from 50
Adults 50-75: Screening strongly recommended (Grade A)
Adults 76-85: Selective screening based on individual circumstances (Grade C)
Screening Options:
Colonoscopy: Every 10 years; gold standard; allows polyp removal during procedure
FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): Annual; detects blood in stool; non-invasive
Stool DNA Test (Cologuard): Every 1-3 years; detects blood and DNA mutations
CT Colonography: Every 5 years; virtual colonoscopy using CT imaging
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Every 5-10 years; examines lower colon only
Skin Cancer Screening
Why It Matters: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Men are more likely than women to develop melanoma after age 50 and have higher mortality rates. Risk factors include fair skin, history of sunburns, excessive UV exposure, multiple atypical moles, and family history of melanoma.
Screening Recommendations: The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend routine skin examination by clinicians for the general population. However, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends monthly self-examinations and annual professional skin examinations for individuals at increased risk.
Self-Examination: Use the "ABCDE" criteria to identify concerning moles:
Asymmetry: Half doesn't match the other half
Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges
Color: Multiple colors or uneven distribution
Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)
Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms
Testicular Cancer Awareness
Why It Matters: Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-35. The American Cancer Society reports approximately 9,500 new diagnoses annually. Fortunately, testicular cancer has excellent cure rates (>95%) when detected early.
Screening Recommendations: The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for testicular cancer in asymptomatic adolescents and adults. However, men should be aware of warning signs and perform periodic self-examinations. Healthcare providers often include testicular examination during routine physicals.
Warning Signs: Painless lump or swelling, feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, dull ache in the abdomen or groin, sudden fluid collection in the scrotum.
Mental Health Screening
Mental health is a critical but often overlooked component of men's wellness. Men are less likely than women to seek mental health treatment, yet they account for nearly 80% of suicides in the United States. The stigma surrounding mental health—particularly for men—creates dangerous barriers to care.
Depression Screening
USPSTF Recommendation: The USPSTF recommends screening for depression in all adults (Grade B). Screening should be implemented with adequate systems in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up.
Validated Screening Tools:
Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2): Two-question initial screen with 97% sensitivity
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): Nine-item assessment for diagnosis and severity monitoring; scores ≥10 indicate likely major depression (88% sensitivity, 88% specificity)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7): Seven-item assessment for anxiety disorders
Signs of Depression in Men: Men may experience and express depression differently than women, often manifesting as irritability, anger, risk-taking behavior, substance use, or physical symptoms rather than overt sadness. Common presentations include fatigue, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Comprehensive Screening Schedule by Age
The following table summarizes recommended health screenings organized by age group, incorporating guidelines from the USPSTF, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Urological Association, and Endocrine Society.
Men Ages 18-39
Screening
Frequency
Notes
Blood Pressure
Every 3-5 years
Annually if elevated or risk factors
Cholesterol
Baseline; every 5 years
Earlier/more often with risk factors
Diabetes
If risk factors present
Screen if BMI ≥25 + risk factor
Depression
Periodically
PHQ-2/PHQ-9 recommended
STI Screening
Based on risk
HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Men Ages 40-49
Screening
Frequency
Notes
Blood Pressure
Annually
More often if elevated
Lipid Panel
Every 4-6 years
Calculate 10-year ASCVD risk
Diabetes
Every 3 years
If overweight/obese (USPSTF)
Colorectal Cancer
Begin at 45
Colonoscopy q10yr or alternatives
Testosterone (if symptomatic)
Based on symptoms
Morning draw; AUA/ES guidelines
Men Ages 50 and Older
Screening
Frequency
Notes
Blood Pressure
Annually
Target <130/80 for most
Prostate Cancer
Shared decision (55-69)
PSA ± DRE; discuss with provider
Colorectal Cancer
Through age 75
Multiple options available
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
One-time (65-75)
If ever smoked
Lung Cancer
Annual (50-80)
≥20 pack-year smoking history
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Knowledge without action provides no benefit. Here's how to translate this information into improved health:
Schedule Your Baseline Assessment: If you haven't had a comprehensive health evaluation recently, schedule one. This establishes your baseline values and identifies any existing conditions requiring attention.
Know Your Numbers: Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and other key metrics. Understanding your values empowers informed decision-making about lifestyle modifications and treatments.
Address Symptoms: Don't dismiss fatigue, low energy, decreased libido, mood changes, or other symptoms as "normal aging." These may indicate treatable conditions like testosterone deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or depression.
Create a Screening Schedule: Work with your healthcare provider to establish a personalized screening timeline based on your age, risk factors, and family history.
Prioritize Mental Health: Mental wellness is inseparable from physical health. If you're experiencing depression, anxiety, or chronic stress, seek evaluation and treatment.
How Arsenal Men's Health Can Help
At Arsenal Men's Health, we specialize in comprehensive men's health optimization with a focus on evidence-based, clinician-prescribed care. Our practice, led by board-certified nurse practitioner Courtney LaSumner Bass, NP—a military veteran with specialized expertise in men's health—offers:
Comprehensive Lab Panels: Including testosterone, metabolic markers, thyroid function, and cardiovascular risk assessment
Testosterone Replacement Therapy: Evidence-based protocols following AUA and Endocrine Society guidelines
Sexual Health Optimization: Clinician-prescribed treatments for erectile dysfunction and related concerns
Mental Health Support: Treatment for anxiety, depression, and focus issues
Medical Weight Optimization: GLP-1 protocols and comprehensive metabolic management
Convenient Telehealth Access: Premium care from anywhere in Utah
Ready to take control of your health? Book your free consultation today to discuss your screening needs and health optimization goals.
Call (385) 666-6292 | Visit arsenalmenshealth.com | Email info@arsenalmenshealth.com
Peer-Reviewed References
1. Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, et al. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423-432. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115
2. Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744. doi:10.1210/jc.2018-00229
3. Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Michos ED, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation. 2019;140(11):e596-e646. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
4. US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Colorectal Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(19):1965-1977. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.6238
5. Grossman DC, Curry SJ, Owens DK, et al. Screening for Prostate Cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2018;319(18):1901-1913. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.3710
6. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
7. Siu AL; US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Depression in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2016;315(4):380-387. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.18392
8. American Heart Association. Heart-Health Screenings. heart.org. Accessed December 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/heart-health-screenings
9. Jonas DE, Reddy S, Engel ER, et al. Screening for Cardiovascular Disease Risk With Electrocardiography: An Evidence Review. JAMA. 2018;319(22):2315-2328. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.6848
10. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S1-S321. doi:10.2337/dc24-SINT
11. Wilt TJ, Harris RP, Qaseem A; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Screening for Cancer: Advice for High-Value Care From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(10):718-725.
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics: Life Expectancy at Birth by Sex. cdc.gov. 2024.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or conditions. Treatment decisions are made by licensed medical providers based on individual patient evaluations.
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