Males tend to be less likely than females to get important health screenings. Many are behind on their cancer screenings.

“Many men can be reluctant to get the screenings their doctors recommend,” says Dr. Bertram Prosser, a medical director with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. “They may be less likely to think about their own health than their family’s health. However, screenings are important because they’re about prevention and early detection so those with a diagnosis can be treated more easily.”

Screenings that males need

Dr. Prosser: If you take your car in for maintenance every 50,000 miles, you should give your body the same kind of checkups.

Here are the screenings males should get, and when:

1. Blood pressure

Starting at age 20, you should get your blood pressure checked every other year. Once you turn 40, get your blood pressure checked every year. You may need to get it checked more often if you’re at elevated risk. If you’re overweight, have certain health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you may need to get your blood pressure checked at a younger age and more frequently. A “normal” blood pressure reading is less than 120/80.

2. Cholesterol

If you don’t have any known factors for heart disease, you can start getting annual cholesterol checks at age 35. Repeat this screening every five years unless you have high cholesterol or other health conditions that raise your risk. If so, you may need to get your cholesterol levels checked more often.

3. Colon cancer

Males should get their first colorectal cancer screening to age 45. After reviewing the results, your doctor will recommend the frequency of follow-up screenings. If you have certain health conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease or a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, you may need to start getting screened at a younger age—and get screenings more often.

4. Diabetes

All adults get their blood glucose levels checked at age 35. If you’re a male with certain risk factors, such as obesity, your doctor might want to start checking your blood glucose levels at an earlier age.

5. Prostate cancer

The recommendations for prostate cancer screenings have changed over the years. You should discuss your risk profile with your doctor and when (and if) you should start getting screened. The American Cancer Society suggests starting at age 50 if you’re at average risk, and younger if you are at higher risk.

6. Sexual health

If you have sex without condoms with someone who is not your monogamous partner, you should get screened regularly for sexually transmitted infections.

7. Skin cancer

Adult males should get annual full-body skin checks by a dermatologist. If you have a family history of skin cancer or have spent a lot of time in the sun, you may need to get more frequent exams.

Other issues to discuss with your doctor

Dr. Prosser: Depending on your health, family history, and other risk factors, you may need other screenings and tests.

For example, some males may benefit from getting a bone density test to check for osteoporosis, especially if they’re older and have a history of smoking, long-term steroid use, or heavy alcohol use.  If you have diabetes, you might need frequent eye exams to make sure you’re not developing diabetic retinopathy.

Also, talk to your primary care doctor about making sure you’re current on all your vaccines. You might need a Tdap booster if it’s been more than 10 years since you’ve gotten one. Don’t forget the value of getting an annual flu shot each fall, as well as a Covid-19 booster. The CDC recommends a pneumococcal vaccine for adults age 65 and older and two doses of the shingles vaccine for adults age 50 and older.

“I recommend that you develop a rapport with a primary care physician, so you’re comfortable sharing your risk factors and personal lifestyle choices,” says Dr. Prosser. “Make it a habit to check in with them at least once a year, even if you feel fine.”

More from Dr. Prosser on WellTuned

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.