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10 tests for Men’s Health Month

Marty Gonzalez

June is National Men’s Health Month, a time to remind you or the men in your life that the most important ways for men at any age to stay healthy and live longer is to get recommended screening tests.

It was designated in 1994 to encourage early detection and treatment of disease. Health expert, Karen Owoc, has some essential screening tests for men.


  1. Prostate Cancer (age 50 for average-risk men; age 45 for men at high risk – African-Americans; age 40 for men with a strong family history of prostate cancer): Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Lung cancer is the first. Screening involves a yearly prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) to men beginning at age 50 with at least a 10-year life expectancy. 
  2. Colorectal Cancer (age 50+): Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer. Starting at age 50, your physician can decide which test is right for you (e.g., sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, CT scan, barium enema)
  3. Skin cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, your skin should be examined by your provider as part of a routine health checkup to look for cancerous and precancerous conditions. In-between exams, it is recommended that you check your own skin once a month.
  4. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (age 65+): If you are between the ages of 65 and 75 and have ever smoked (100 or more cigarettes during your lifetime), you should be screened once for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This type of aneurysm, “The Silent Killer”, is an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in your abdomen. It is diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.
  5. Blood Pressure (age 18+): Risk for high blood pressure increases with age. It’s related to age, weight, and lifestyle. A normal blood pressure reading is BELOW 120/80. Check regularly.
  6. Blood Cholesterol (age 20): Starting at age 20, men should be screened if they are at a higher risk for heart disease. Starting at age 35, you should have your blood checked regularly for cholesterol levels.
  7. Type 2 Diabetes (age 45+): One-third of Americans have diabetes and don’t know it. Starting at age 45, screen for type 2 diabetes (a blood test).
  8. Eye diseases (age 20+): For individuals who have symptoms at any age or who have a family history of eye disease, diabetes or high blood pressure, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that you see your ophthalmologist to determine how frequently your eyes should be examined.
  9. Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones (age 65+): Starting at age 65, have a bone density test. If you weigh less than 154 lbs. and are between the ages of 60 and 64, consult your provider about being tested. If you are at risk for osteoporosis, screen at an earlier age.
  10. Abdominal Obesity: To reduce risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, your waist (measured at the belly button) should be less than half your height in inches. If your waist is over 40 inches, your risk is 12 times that of someone with normal waist size. A 38 to 40-inch waist increases risk by 5 times.

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