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It’s a preventable fact that men tend to have shorter life expectancies, a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and are less likely to seek care when sick.

The following are vital health screenings that many men put off. That might be because they feel healthy and don’t have any symptoms or aren’t in the habit of going to the doctor. But going to the doctor to get screened – before symptoms start – can make a lifesaving difference.

Here are the top five health screenings recommended for men. 

Blood pressure and cholesterol

High cholesterol and high blood pressure both increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, two of the most common causes of death for men.

• More than 60% of men ages 40 to 59 have high blood pressure. That number jumps to 75% when men reach age 60.

Medication prescribed by a provider can help, as can lifestyle changes focusing on heart-healthy foods and regular exercise. Monitoring blood pressure is an important gauge for men to keep their health in check.

A full cholesterol panel is another important measure to determine underlying levels that may be contributing to an increased risk of heart disease.

Blood sugar and metabolic panel

Blood glucose tests are used to monitor your blood sugars and screen for diabetes.

• More than 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and men are more likely to develop it than women.

Catching this condition sooner is key because it can lead to other health issues like heart disease, kidney failure and limb loss. Most men would benefit from an annual check in for a metabolic panel and blood sugar screening.

Colorectal cancer

Getting screened or a colonoscopy is essential for men beginning at age 45, but it’s important to recognize that colorectal cancer is increasingly found among younger adults too.

Those at higher risk should get screened earlier than 45, such as if a member of your family has had colorectal cancer.

• Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for men overall, but recent research has shown it’s a leading cause of cancer-related death in men who are 20 to 49.

When caught in the early stages of disease, colorectal cancer is significantly more treatable. In addition to colonoscopies, there are other screening methods that your provider might recommend.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. It’s a slow-growing cancer that’s best treated when caught early – before symptoms appear.

• 13% of men develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
• Most prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 65.

In addition to prostate exams, men can opt for a screening called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Through this simple blood test, prostate cancer can be detected earlier while giving patients the best opportunity for treatment.

Skin cancer and melanoma

A skin exam will help you catch skin cancer early on and stop it in its tracks.

• As little as five sunburns can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
• Everyday sun exposure also adds up and increases risk.
• Melanoma is a deadly type of skin cancer and affects more men than women.

If you are noticing an increase of suspicious moles, growths and other changes in your skin, you should consider getting a skin exam. But keep in mind that melanoma can be found in hard-to-see places like the scalp and back – a skin exam performed by a health care provider is a critical way to safeguard men’s health.

Next steps

Your provider will work with you or the men in your life to determine whether you need all these screenings now or can schedule them for the future. Guidelines will vary depending on age, personal health and family history of disease.

INTEGRIS Health offers several resources dedicated to men’s health. There’s no better time for men to take control of their health and make an appointment for an annual checkup and get screened.