Men's health screening: what to check and when

Men see a practitioner less often and later than women, and it shows in the statistics. Most of what shortens men's lives — high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, prostate disease — is silent early and very manageable when caught.

In your 20s and 30s

Blood pressure at least every two years. HIV and STI screening — annually if sexually active with new partners. Weight, waist and lifestyle review; smoking and alcohol honestly assessed. Testicular self-awareness — testicular cancer peaks in this age group and is highly curable when found early. Mental health check-in; men under-report anxiety, depression and burnout.

In your 40s

Blood pressure annually. Fasting glucose or HbA1c and a full cholesterol panel every 1–3 years. Cardiovascular risk assessment, especially with a family history of early heart attack. Baseline prostate discussion from 45 if you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer. Eye, hearing and sleep review — snoring with daytime fatigue often means sleep apnoea.

In your 50s and beyond

Annual blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol. Prostate screening discussion (PSA and examination) from 50. Colorectal cancer screening from 45–50, earlier with family history. Kidney and liver function where you are on chronic medication. Flu and other recommended vaccinations.

What a men's health visit looks like at SisterB

A private, unrushed consultation — nothing is too awkward to raise. Blood pressure, pulse, weight, waist and a focused examination. On-site blood and urine screening with results explained clearly. A written plan with targets, and referral to a specialist when it is warranted. Follow-up booked before you leave, so it does not slip another five years.