# Men's Health Screenings by Age: A Dad's Checklist

> Which health screenings men need in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and CDC, plus the vaccines new dads need and what insurance covers.

By Yoedhistiera, Bapak Life. Topic: Health & Fitness. Published November 2, 2026.
Canonical: https://bapaklife.com/mens-health-screenings-by-age/

## Key takeaways

- Every adult man should get his blood pressure checked: the USPSTF says yearly from 40, and every 3 to 5 years from 18 to 39 if it was normal and you're not at higher risk.
- Colorectal cancer screening now starts at 45, not 50, the USPSTF says.
- Diabetes screening is recommended from 35 to 70 for men with overweight or obesity.
- Prostate cancer screening (PSA) from 55 to 69 is an individual decision to make with your doctor. The USPSTF recommends against routine testicular cancer screening.
- New dads: get a Tdap shot if you've never had one, and a flu shot in season, at least two weeks before meeting the baby, the CDC says.

Having a baby is a good reason to finally book the checkup you've been putting off. Men are less likely than women to have a regular doctor: in 2024, 87.1% of men had a usual source of care, compared with 93.3% of women, and men were more likely to use the ER as that source, the CDC found. This checklist covers the screenings the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends for men at each age, the vaccines new dads need, and what insurance covers.

**A note before you start:** these are recommendations for men at average risk with no symptoms. Your doctor may suggest different tests or timing based on your family history and health. Recommendations here are current as of November 2026.

## The short answer

- **Every man, every age:** blood pressure, and questions about mood, alcohol, drugs and smoking.
- **Once as an adult:** hepatitis C (18 to 79) and HIV (15 to 65).
- **From 35:** diabetes screening if you have overweight or obesity.
- **From 40:** yearly blood pressure, and a heart risk check to see if a statin makes sense.
- **From 45:** colorectal cancer screening.
- **From 50:** lung cancer screening if you have a heavy smoking history.
- **From 55 to 69:** a conversation about prostate cancer screening.
- **New dads:** Tdap and flu shots before the baby arrives.

## How to read these recommendations

The USPSTF is an independent panel of experts that grades each screening by the evidence:

- **A or B:** recommended. These are the services that insurance has to cover for free under the Affordable Care Act.
- **C:** offer it to some people based on judgment and preference; the net benefit is small.
- **D:** recommended against, because the harms outweigh the benefits or there's no benefit.
- **I:** not enough evidence to say.

The Task Force is changing. In June 2025 the Supreme Court upheld free coverage of its A and B recommendations, and also said the HHS Secretary "may remove Task Force members at will." HHS added eight new members in September 2026, and several recommendations, including prostate cancer screening, are being updated. We'll update this page when they change.

## Men's health screenings by age

| Age | Screenings recommended for men at average risk |
| --- | --- |
| **20s** | Blood pressure every 3 to 5 years if normal (yearly if at higher risk). One-time hepatitis C and HIV tests. Depression and anxiety screening. Questions about alcohol, drugs and tobacco. |
| **30s** | All of the above. From 35: diabetes screening if you have overweight or obesity. |
| **40s** | Blood pressure every year. Heart disease risk check to decide on a statin (40 to 75). From 45: colorectal cancer screening. |
| **50s** | All of the above. Lung cancer screening (50 to 80) if you have a 20 pack-year smoking history and smoke now or quit within 15 years. From 55: decide about prostate cancer screening with your doctor. |
| **60s and up** | All of the above through 75. At 65 to 75: a one-time ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm if you have ever smoked. Prostate screening is not recommended from 70. |

Insurance should cover the A and B screenings without a copay when you use an in-network provider, though HealthCare.gov notes "Coverage may vary."

## Blood pressure: every man, every age

The USPSTF recommends screening for high blood pressure in all adults 18 and older (grade A): every year from 40 or if you're at higher risk, and every 3 to 5 years from 18 to 39 if your reading was normal and you're not at higher risk.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The CDC says "Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure." It also notes that as many as 1 in 3 people with a high reading in the doctor's office have normal readings outside of it, which is why the USPSTF recommends confirming a high reading outside the clinic before starting treatment.

**Measuring at home.** The USPSTF says measurements should be taken on the upper arm "with a validated and accurate device in a seated position after 5 minutes of rest." The CDC adds: same time each day, at least two readings 1 or 2 minutes apart, nothing to eat or drink for 30 minutes before, feet flat, cuff on bare skin, and don't talk. Write the numbers down.

To check that a monitor is accurate, look it up on the US Validated Device Listing (validatebp.org), run with the American Medical Association. This one is on it:

**Validated home monitor: Omron Silver Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor (BP5255)** ([Check price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Omron+Silver+Upper+Arm+Blood+Pressure+Monitor+BP5255))
An upper arm blood pressure monitor listed on the AMA-backed US Validated Device Listing (validatebp.org), which means it passed an independent check for clinical accuracy. Omron says the cuff fits upper arms from 9 to 17 inches, it stores 30 readings for one user, and it flags readings in the high range. It works with the OMRON Connect app. Omron sells it exclusively on Amazon.com.
- Pro: On the US Validated Device Listing for accuracy
- Pro: Upper arm cuff, the type the USPSTF and CDC describe
- Pro: Simple one-button use
- Con: One user only: get the 7 Series if you both want to track
- Con: A home monitor confirms readings, it doesn't replace your doctor
## Heart disease and cholesterol (from 40)

The USPSTF recommends a statin for adults 40 to 75 with at least one risk factor (high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking) and a 10-year heart disease risk of 10% or more (grade B). With a risk of 7.5% to 10%, it's a decision to make with your doctor (grade C). Working that out needs a cholesterol test.

The CDC says most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years, and more often if they have heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol. Like blood pressure, high cholesterol has no symptoms.

## Diabetes (from 35, with overweight or obesity)

The USPSTF recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults 35 to 70 who have overweight (BMI 25 or more) or obesity (30 or more). Screening may start earlier for groups with higher rates of diabetes, and at a BMI of 23 or more for Asian Americans. If your result is normal, every 3 years "may be a reasonable approach." The test is a blood test: fasting glucose, HbA1c or a glucose tolerance test.

If the first year of fatherhood has added weight, you're not alone; see [new dad weight gain](/new-dad-weight-gain/). The USPSTF also recommends offering adults with a BMI of 30 or more intensive behavioral programs to lose weight.

## Colorectal cancer (from 45)

The USPSTF moved the start age down: it recommends screening for adults 50 to 75 (grade A) and 45 to 49 (grade B). From 76 to 85, it's a case-by-case decision.

You have options, and you don't have to start with a colonoscopy:

- A stool test (FIT) every year.
- A stool DNA-FIT test every 1 to 3 years.
- CT colonography every 5 years.
- Colonoscopy every 10 years.

An abnormal stool test or CT needs a follow-up colonoscopy.

## Lung cancer (from 50, if you smoked)

The USPSTF recommends a yearly low-dose CT scan for adults 50 to 80 who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or quit within the past 15 years. One pack-year is a pack a day for a year, so 20 pack-years is a pack a day for 20 years, or two packs a day for 10.

If you smoke, the USPSTF recommends that doctors help you quit with counseling and FDA-approved medicines. It says there isn't enough evidence yet to judge e-cigarettes as a way to quit.

## Prostate cancer: a decision from 55 to 69

There's no blanket answer here. The USPSTF says that for men 55 to 69, "the decision to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer should be an individual one" (grade C). Screening "offers a small potential benefit" of lowering the chance of dying from prostate cancer, but many men will face harms: false positives that lead to biopsies, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

The USPSTF recommends against PSA screening for men 70 and older. It says the most important risk factors are older age, African American race and a family history of prostate cancer, so talk to your doctor earlier if any apply. This recommendation is being updated.

Some cancer charities recommend starting earlier than the USPSTF does. That's a conversation for your doctor, especially if you have a family history.

## Testicular and skin cancer: what the evidence says

**Testicular cancer.** The USPSTF "recommends against screening for testicular cancer in adolescent or adult men" (grade D), including self-exams and exams by a doctor, because there's no evidence screening finds it at a more curable stage. That doesn't mean ignoring changes: see a doctor about any lump, swelling or pain.

**Skin cancer.** The USPSTF says there isn't enough evidence to judge routine skin checks by a doctor for people without symptoms (grade I). It notes frequent sunburns, older age and being male raise the risk, and the recommendation doesn't apply if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer.

## Mental health, alcohol and drugs

The USPSTF recommends screening all adults for depression, and adults 64 and younger for anxiety. It also recommends screening adults for unhealthy alcohol use (usually a few quick questions) and asking about drug use. It notes that "Men are more than 3 times more likely to die by suicide than women."

New dads are not immune: up to 1 in 10 fathers experience depression around the birth. See [postpartum depression in dads](/postpartum-depression-in-dads/). If you're in crisis, call or text 988.

## Infections: hepatitis C, HIV and hepatitis B

- **Hepatitis C:** screen adults 18 to 79, usually just once (grade B).
- **HIV:** screen everyone 15 to 65 (grade A).
- **Hepatitis B and syphilis:** screen adults at increased risk, for example people born in countries where hepatitis B is common.

## Vaccines for new dads

**Tdap (whooping cough).** The CDC says adults who have never had a Tdap shot should get one, and that adults "who will be around the baby" and haven't had a whooping cough booster should get vaccinated. If you've already had Tdap as an adult, you don't need another before the baby. The best protection for a newborn is the Tdap shot she gets during each pregnancy; the CDC's vaccine advisers note the evidence that vaccinating family members alone protects the baby is "inconclusive." It's still recommended, and it protects you.

**Flu.** The CDC says everyone who cares for the baby should get a flu shot every flu season.

**Timing.** Get them "at least two weeks before meeting the baby," because antibodies take about two weeks to develop, the CDC says.

**Other adult vaccines.** A Td or Tdap booster every 10 years; HPV through age 26 (and by shared decision from 27 to 45); hepatitis B from 19 to 59; shingles (Shingrix) from 50. The CDC currently recommends a 2026 to 2027 COVID-19 vaccine for adults, though it notes that for healthy adults under 65 that use is off-label. Ask your doctor what's right for you.

More on what to do before the birth: [third trimester for dads](/third-trimester-for-dads/).

## Sleep: the screening nobody does

The CDC says adults 18 to 60 need 7 or more hours of sleep, and that good sleep lowers the risk of chronic conditions. With a newborn, that's hard; split the nights (see [night feeds for dads](/night-feeds-for-dads/)), and tell your doctor about loud snoring or daytime sleepiness, since sleep apnea is treatable.

*Dad's job:* book one checkup this month. Bring this list, your family history and your last blood pressure reading.

## FAQ

### What health screenings should a man in his 30s get?

Blood pressure (every 3 to 5 years if normal, yearly if at higher risk), one-time hepatitis C and HIV tests if you haven't had them, depression and anxiety screening, and questions about alcohol, drugs and smoking. From 35, diabetes screening if you have overweight or obesity.

### What health screenings should a man in his 40s get?

Everything from your 30s, plus yearly blood pressure, a heart disease risk check (with a cholesterol test) to see if a statin makes sense, and colorectal cancer screening from 45.

### When should men start colon cancer screening?

At 45, the USPSTF says, for men at average risk. Options include a yearly stool test, a stool DNA-FIT test every 1 to 3 years, CT colonography every 5 years or a colonoscopy every 10 years.

### Should men get a PSA test?

For men 55 to 69, the USPSTF says it's an individual decision to make with your doctor, weighing a small chance of benefit against risks like false positives and overtreatment. It recommends against PSA screening from 70. Talk to your doctor earlier if you're Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.

### Should men do testicular self-exams?

The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for testicular cancer, including self-exams, because there's no evidence it helps. But see a doctor about any lump, swelling or pain.

### Do dads need a Tdap shot before the baby is born?

If you've never had a Tdap shot, yes: the CDC recommends it for adults who will be around the baby, at least two weeks before meeting the baby. If you've already had one as an adult, you don't need another.

### Are men's health screenings free with insurance?

Most plans must cover USPSTF A and B screenings without a copay when you see an in-network provider, under the Affordable Care Act. The Supreme Court upheld that requirement in 2025. Check your plan, since coverage may vary.

## Sources

- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: [A and B recommendations](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations), [grade definitions](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/about-uspstf/methods-and-processes/grade-definitions), [hypertension](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hypertension-in-adults-screening), [statin use](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medication), [prediabetes and type 2 diabetes](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-for-prediabetes-and-type-2-diabetes), [obesity](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/obesity-in-adults-interventions), [colorectal cancer](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/colorectal-cancer-screening), [lung cancer](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lung-cancer-screening), [tobacco](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/tobacco-use-in-adults-and-pregnant-women-counseling-and-interventions), [unhealthy alcohol use](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/unhealthy-alcohol-use-in-adolescents-and-adults-screening-and-behavioral-counseling-interventions), [hepatitis C](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hepatitis-c-screening), [HIV](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-screening), [hepatitis B](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/hepatitis-b-virus-infection-screening), [depression](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-depression-suicide-risk-adults), [anxiety](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/anxiety-adults-screening), [abdominal aortic aneurysm](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening), [prostate cancer](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prostate-cancer-screening), [testicular cancer](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/testicular-cancer-screening), [skin cancer](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/skin-cancer-screening) and [new members (2026)](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/sites/default/files/file/supporting_documents/2026-TF-new-members-HHS-bulletin.pdf)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: [usual source of care, 2024](https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db558.htm), [measuring blood pressure](https://www.cdc.gov/high-blood-pressure/measure/index.html), [cholesterol testing](https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/testing/index.html), [adult immunization schedule](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html), [pertussis vaccine recommendations](https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/recommendations.html), [vaccines for family and caregivers](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-pregnancy/about/vaccines-family-caregivers.html), [ACIP pertussis recommendations (2018)](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/rr/rr6702a1.htm), [COVID-19 vaccine guidance](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/routine-guidance.html) and [About sleep](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html)
- [Preventive care benefits for adults](https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-adults/), HealthCare.gov; [Kennedy v. Braidwood Management](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/606us2r65_3314.pdf), Supreme Court of the United States (2025); [Kennedy v. Braidwood explainer](https://www.kff.org/affordable-care-act/kennedy-v-braidwood-the-supreme-court-upheld-aca-preventive-services-but-thats-not-the-end-of-the-story/), KFF
- [US Validated Device Listing: Omron Silver](https://www.validatebp.org/device/silver-upper-arm-blood-pressure-monitor), American Medical Association; [Silver Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor](https://omronhealthcare.com/products/silver-wireless-upper-arm-blood-pressure-monitor-bp5250/), Omron