Screening Ages and Intervals Every Man Should Know

Why Intervals Matter as Much as the Tests Themselves

Knowing which screenings to get is only half the equation. The other half is knowing when to start and how frequently to repeat them. Screening too infrequently misses the early-detection benefit; over-screening carries its own risks, including false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The goal of evidence-based intervals is to maximize benefit while minimizing harm.

For a broader overview of what each test involves and why it matters, see Men's Preventive Health Screenings: What They Are and Why They Matter. This reference focuses specifically on age triggers and repeat timelines.

Screening Schedule by Health Category

Cardiovascular Risk

Blood pressure: Checked at every clinical visit starting at age 18. Men with consistently normal readings (below 120/80 mmHg) are typically screened at least every year; those with elevated readings need more frequent monitoring. For a plain-language explanation of what your numbers mean, see Decoding the Numbers Men Are Tested For.

Cholesterol (lipid panel): Recommended starting at age 35 for men at average risk, or earlier for those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of early cardiovascular disease. If results are normal, retesting every two to five years is typical.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health

Diabetes screening (HbA1c or fasting glucose): The USPSTF recommends screening men ages 35–70 who are overweight or obese. Men with normal results are generally re-screened every three years; those with prediabetes may need annual checks.

Colorectal Cancer

Average-risk men should begin screening at age 45. The most common options and their intervals: colonoscopy every 10 years (if no polyps found); stool-based tests such as high-sensitivity fecal immunochemical test (FIT) annually; or CT colonography every five years. Men with a first-degree relative who had colorectal cancer may need to start at 40, or 10 years before the relative's diagnosis age, whichever is earlier.

Lung Cancer

Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) screening is recommended for men ages 50–80 who have a 20-pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. Screening stops if a person has not smoked for 15 or more years or develops a health condition that limits treatment.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

A one-time abdominal ultrasound is recommended for men aged 65–75 who have ever smoked (defined as 100 or more cigarettes in a lifetime). Men who have never smoked but have a family history may still benefit — discuss this with a provider.

Prostate Health

PSA testing for prostate cancer is not universally recommended — it involves a shared decision between the patient and provider, typically starting the conversation at age 50 for average-risk men, or age 40–45 for men at higher risk (African American men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65). For more context, see Prostate Health: What Every Man Should Understand.

Mental Health

Depression screening is recommended at routine preventive visits for all adults. It is often a brief questionnaire and takes just minutes, yet it frequently goes undiscussed. Mental Health Screening for Men explains what this involves and why it belongs at every checkup.

Skin Cancer

No universal USPSTF recommendation exists for routine dermatology screenings in asymptomatic adults, but men — who are diagnosed with melanoma at higher rates than women — are generally encouraged to perform regular self-examinations and discuss skin checks with a provider. See Skin Cancer and Men: The Case for Annual Skin Checks for a detailed breakdown.

Using This Reference Effectively

Screening guidelines evolve as new evidence emerges. The intervals above reflect established recommendations from major U.S. clinical bodies; however, individual circumstances — family history, lifestyle, existing conditions — can meaningfully shift your personal schedule. Preventive Care at Every Decade provides a decade-by-decade view of how priorities shift as men age.

Use this guide as a conversation-starter with your primary care provider, not as a substitute for personalized clinical advice. Bring a list of your family history and any symptoms to your next visit so your provider can tailor your screening timeline accordingly.

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to your health history and needs.