Men’s Health Schedule

Taking care of your health should not be something you put off—even if you feel fine. Regular checkups and screenings can catch problems early, when they are easiest to treat. Here’s a simple guide to help you know what to check—and when—so you can stay healthy at every age.

Annual Physical Exam
- Why it’s important: Continuing to track your health and discuss concerns or risk factors with your doctor is essential to staying ahead of any developing issues.
- How often: Once a year
Cholesterol Screening
- Why it’s important: This is the age when heart disease risk factors, like high cholesterol, start to affect heart health. Catching it early can prevent heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death for men.
- How often: Every 4-6 years, or more often if it is elevated or you have other risk factors.
Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)
- Why it’s important: Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Regular screening can identify precancerous growths (polyps), leading to early intervention and saving lives.
- How often: Starting at age 45, typically every 10 years (unless otherwise indicated by your doctor). If you have risk factors (such as a family history of colorectal cancer), screening may need to begin earlier or be done more frequently.
Blood Pressure Check
- Why it’s important: High blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke, which are two of the leading causes of death for men. It’s important to monitor regularly, especially if you have a family history of hypertension.
- How often: Annually at your physical exam, or more frequently if you have risk factors
Eye Exam
- Why it’s important: Regular eye exams can catch early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision issues. They can also detect high blood pressure or diabetes.
- How often: Every 2 years, or more often if you have risk factors (For those with a family history or risk factors, earlier exams may be recommended)
Mental Health Screening
- Why it’s important: It is common for men to begin noticing symptoms of mental health conditions during mid-life. Early screening and support are crucial for addressing these concerns before they impact overall well-being.
- How often: As needed, or more frequently if you’re dealing with work stress, life changes, or family history of mental health conditions
Dental Exam
- Why it’s important: As men reach their 40s, the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer increases. Regular dental exams help detect early signs of these conditions ensuring timely intervention.
- How often: Twice a year

Annual Physical Exam
- Why it’s important: As men enter their 50s, their risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers increases. Your doctor can assist in scheduling additional screenings and connect you to specialists as needed.
- How often: Once a year
Diabetes Screening
- Why it’s important: Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects men over 45. Early detection can prevent complications like kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease.
- How often: Every 3 years, or more often if you have risk factors
Cholesterol Screening
- Why it’s important: As men reach their 50s and beyond, cholesterol levels often rise. Catching it early can prevent heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death for men.
- How often: Every 4-6 years, or more often if it is elevated or you have other risk factors.
Eye Exam
- Why it’s important: Continued vision monitoring is essential, especially for older adults. Early identification of eye conditions can lead to better management and treatment.
- How often: Every 2 years, or when needed based on risk factors like diabetes or family history
Colorectal Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy)
- Why it’s important: Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Routine screening through colonoscopy helps detect precancerous polyps and cancer early when it is most treatable.
- How often: Starting at age 45, typically every 10 years (unless otherwise indicated by your doctor). If you have risk factors (such as a family history of colorectal cancer), screening may need to begin earlier or be done more frequently.
Hearing Test
- Why it’s important: Studies show that men are more likely to experience hearing loss as they age. Routine hearing tests can help detect early signs and prevent further damage.
- How often: Every 2 years or sooner if you notice symptoms of hearing loss
Skin Cancer Screening
- Why it’s important: As men reach their 50s and beyond, the risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma, increases due to accumulated sun exposure over the years. Regular skin cancer screenings help detect early signs of skin cancer, making treatment more effective and reducing the risk of complications.
- How often: Annually, or more often if you have risk factors like a history of frequent sunburns, or a personal or family history of skin cancer.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening
- Why it’s important: Men who have smoked are at higher risk for developing AAA, a dangerous condition where the aorta bulges and can rupture without warning.
- How often: Once, for men ages 65-75 who have smoked or have other risk factors
Lung Cancer Screening (if applicable)
- Why it’s important: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men. Those with a history of smoking are at an increased risk. Early detection through screening can improve survival rates.
- How often: Annually for individuals ages 50-80 who have a history of heavy smoking (20 pack-years) and are current smokers or have quit in the last 15 years.
Blood Pressure Check
- Why it’s important: Blood pressure tends to rise with age, and managing it helps prevent heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death for men.
- How often: Annually at your physical exam, or more frequently if you have risk factors
Mental Health Screening
- Why it’s important: As men age, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and isolation become more prevalent. In fact, men over 65 have the highest suicide rates, making regular mental health checkups crucial.
- How often: Annually or when you notice symptoms of mood changes, anxiety, or stress
Dental Exam
- Why it’s important: Keeping your teeth and gums healthy as you age is vital for overall well-being. Dental exams can also detect oral cancer, which is more common in men.
- How often: Twice a year

Taking care of your health is not just about feeling okay today—it is about protecting your future. Following a regular schedule of checkups and screenings gives you the best chance to catch problems early, stay active, and live well. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you based on your health history and risk factors. Need a doctor? Emerson Health is here to help.