As men age, preventive health becomes increasingly important—but many men aren’t sure when to start regular screenings or what to expect from their yearly exams. Whether you’re in your 40s and just starting to think about long-term health, or you’re already navigating annual check-ups, understanding the basics of prostate health, cancer screenings, and healthy lifestyle habits can help you stay ahead of common conditions. In this Q&A, Derek Whalen, PA-C with Avance Care Waxhaw outlines essential screening timelines and simple, effective steps men can take to protect their well-being.
When Should Men Start Thinking about Prostate Health?
There are a variety of factors that go into when a man should start thinking about prostate health. The first factor is age. Typically, screenings with a PSA test start at 50. There are a few caveats to this rule. African American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin thinking about screening earlier at 45. Alternatively, if you have a family history of prostate cancer you can consider starting screening 10 years prior to that family member’s age at diagnosis. For instance, if your father had prostate cancer at 50, you could start screenings as early as 40. Keep in mind these family members should be first-degree relatives. If you have multiple first-degree relatives with prostate cancer, you can start screening at 40.
What are the Key Things to Know about Screenings?
There are several things to keep in mind with screenings. The most common method of screening today is a yearly PSA. This is a blood test that stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is produced by the prostate gland and is found in BOTH normal and cancerous prostate cells. This means an elevated PSA is NOT a diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is simply an indicator that lets medical providers know they may need to take further action such as referring to a urologist to ensure your prostate is healthy. You can also have a screening with a DRE (digital rectal examination). This is a physical examination performed by your doctor where they feel your prostate and can tell you more information such as if it is enlarged or has any concerning nodules that need to be further examined by a specialist. Keep in mind if you do have a DRE, you should avoid having a PSA blood test for at least 3 days as this can falsely elevate the PSA.
Beyond Physical Exams, What Other Screenings or Conversations should men be having with their doctor as they age?
Other routine health screenings for men include:
1. Colonoscopy or Cologuard Screening for Colon Cancer
Screenings for colon cancer should start at age 45. If normal, a colonoscopy is done every 10 years. Sometimes if polyps are found, your doctor will schedule your next colonoscopy sooner. Cologuard tests are performed every 3 years. If abnormal, you are referred for a colonoscopy.
2. Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).
This is a screening done for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked. It is a one-time ultrasound that looks at the aorta, which is the largest blood vessel in the body. An AAA is an oftentimes asymptomatic but deadly disease should it rupture or dissect, and since men who suffer from these often do not have symptoms, it is a recommended screening.
3. Lung Cancer Screening
In men with a heavy smoking history, they may qualify for a lung cancer screening which can be done yearly from ages 50-80. This test uses a CT scan that delivers a low dose of radiation to detect any abnormal pulmonary nodules that may need to be followed to ensure they do not change or become cancerous
4. Hepatitis C
Men may qualify for a hepatitis C screening depending on when they were born and what risk factors they may possess. They should discuss this with their doctor at their physical.
5. Yearly Physical Exam
All men over the age of 50 should have a yearly physical exam with their doctor. During this visit they should be screened for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
What are Two to Three Simple, Actionable Steps Men Can Take Today to Start Improving Their Overall Health?
There’s a variety of tangible steps men can take that will have a large impact on their overall health. Start with a few, and add in more habits as you are able to achieve them consistently.
Start exercising for at least 150 minutes weekly.
This can be a form of cardio such as walking, running, swimming, or using exercise equipment like an elliptical. Strength training is also recommended to keep muscles strong and prevent falls and generalized weakness as we grow older.
Quit all tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption.
Traditionally it has been recommended for men to have no more than two alcoholic beverages daily. Some recent studies suggest no more than one beverage, and other studies say it should be avoided completely.
Have social groups you interact with on a routine basis.
Keeping a close group of friends and having hobbies we enjoy keeps our minds sharp and improves our mental health.
At Avance Care, we’re here to help men take charge of their health with personalized care, preventive screenings, and expert support every step of the way. Whether you’re due for your annual physical, have questions about prostate screenings, or want to improve your overall wellness, our primary care providers are ready to partner with you. Schedule your appointment today and take the next step toward a healthier future.
