MyChart
This June, as we celebrate Men’s Health Month, let’s talk about something vital: your health! We know you’re busy juggling work, family, and fun, and sometimes routine checkups fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, putting off those visits can lead to bigger problems.
” Proactive health management, including regular screenings, is essential for men to live long, healthy lives. Many serious conditions are highly treatable when caught early. It is extremely unfortunate when someone is diagnosed with a fatal illness which could have been prevented through a simple screening test. “
Marc Myer, MD
Welia Health Family Medicine Physician
1. Blood Pressure Check
- Why it matters: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms. However, it significantly increases your risk for heart attack and stroke, leading causes of death for men.
- When to screen: At least annually for most adults, or more often if you have elevated readings or other risk factors.
- Where to learn more: American Heart Association
2. Cholesterol Screening
- Why it matters: Similar to blood pressure, high cholesterol often presents without symptoms but can lead to heart disease. A cholesterol panel is a blood test that measures your total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides.
- When to screen:
- At least once every 4–6 years starting at age 20 if you have risk factors
- Starting at age 35 for average-risk men
- Where to learn more: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- See our previous post, Taking control of your cholesterol.
3. Diabetes Screening
- Why it matters: Men are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than women. It’s a condition that can go undetected for years and can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
- When to screen:
- Every 3 years starting at age 35 if you’re overweight or have risk factors
- Earlier and more often if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history
- Where to learn more: American Diabetes Association
- See our previous post, What’s your risk for diabetes?
4. Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Why it matters: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men, and unfortunately, it is on the rise in younger adults. The good news is that it is highly preventable with early screening.
- When to screen:
- Begin regular screening at age 45
- Sooner if you have a family history or other risk factors
- Options include colonoscopy, stool tests, and more
- Where to learn more: American Cancer Society
- See our previous post, Colonoscopy and Cologuard: The pros and cons
5. Prostate Cancer Screening
- Why it matters: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. While some forms grow slowly, others can be aggressive.
- When to screen:
- Discuss PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing with your doctor starting at age 50
- Consider earlier (age 45) if you are African American or have a family history
- Where to learn more: National Cancer Institute
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to prostate screening. We walk through the pros and cons with each patient based on their risk and values,” noted Dr. Myer.
6. Lung Cancer Screening
- Why it matters: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men—but early detection can improve outcomes.
- When to screen:
- Annual low-dose CT scans for adults aged 50–80 with a 20-pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years
- Where to learn more: American Cancer Society
7. Skin Cancer Screening
- Why it matters: Men over 50 are at higher risk of developing melanoma than women. Early detection is key.
- When to screen:
- Perform regular self-checks for new or changing moles
- Ask your provider about full-body skin exams, especially if you have fair skin or a history of sunburns
- Where to learn more: Do a self-exam at the Skin Cancer Foundation
8. Mental Health Screening
- Why it matters: While not a “screening” in the traditional sense, discussing your mental health with your provider is just as vital. Depression, anxiety, stress-related conditions, and substance use disorders affect men too—but they’re often underdiagnosed because men are less likely to seek help for mental health concerns due to societal stigmas.
- When to screen:
- Routinely, especially if you’ve experienced changes in sleep, appetite, energy, or mood
- Talk openly with your provider or use a brief screening tool to start the conversation
- Where to learn more: Take a free mental health screening at Mental Health America
“Men often downplay emotional symptoms, but mental health is just as important as blood pressure or cholesterol. Getting help isn’t weakness—it’s smart self-care,” noted Dr. Myer.
Take Charge This Men’s Health Month
Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, preventive care saves lives. Consider this your nudge to check in with your provider and schedule the screenings that fit your age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Call Welia Health at 320.679.1212 or request an appointment online when you’re ready to take the next step.
