Quick Facts:
Fort Smith
Men’s health is not just about fixing problems — it's about preventing them. From age 18 onward, annual physicals and timely screenings provide the foundation for a longer, healthier life. At every stage, knowledge, prevention and regular communication with your health care provider make all the difference.
If you haven’t scheduled your check-up yet this year, now’s the time.
When it comes to staying healthy, prevention is just as important as treatment. Annual physicals serve as a cornerstone of preventive care for men. These visits offer much more than just a check-up; they're an opportunity to catch health issues early, manage chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, and get personalized advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.
We recommend that men start annual physicals at age 18 to establish a strong health baseline. From there, age-specific screenings help detect conditions early.
- Lipid screenings begin at age 35 for those with cardiovascular risk factors, and age 40 for those without.
- Prostate cancer discussions should start at age 50 for average-risk men and earlier for high-risk groups (including African American men and those with a family history).
- Colorectal cancer screening begins at age 45 for most men.
Routine visits help ensure these screenings happen on schedule and that health concerns are addressed before they escalate.
How Are Men’s Annual Physicals Different from Women’s?
While annual physical exams for both men and women include core assessments like blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and general health screenings, there are gender-specific differences tailored to unique risks.
For men, key screenings include:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing between ages 50 and 69 (based on shared decision-making).
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening via ultrasound for men 65 to 75 years old who have ever smoked.
- Lung cancer screening using low-dose CT scans for men aged 50 to 80 with a history of heavy smoking.
In contrast, women’s exams typically include screenings such as pap smears, mammograms and bone density scans. These distinctions ensure that health concerns unique to each gender are appropriately addressed.
Common Health Concerns in Men — And How They Change with Age
Men face a range of health challenges, many of which become more common or severe with age:
- Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and coronary artery disease (CAD), remain the leading cause of death in men over 50.
- Prostate disorders like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are significant. BPH affects up to 90% of men by age 85.
- Metabolic syndrome, encompassing diabetes and obesity, becomes more prevalent with age and increases cardiovascular risk.
- Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and testosterone deficiency, affects up to 30% of men between 40 and 70 and can impact both physical and mental health.
These conditions often coexist in older men, highlighting the need for coordinated and proactive care.
Essential Screenings for Men — What to Get and When
Beyond the annual physical, here are key health screenings men should prioritize:
Screening | Recommended Age / Guidelines |
Blood Pressure | Annually for all adult men |
Lipid Panel | Age 40–75, or earlier if risk factors are present |
Diabetes | For men with BP >135/80 or other risk factors |
Prostate Cancer (PSA) | Age 50–69 (discuss with provider) |
Colorectal Cancer | Start at age 45 (continue to at least age 75) |
Lung Cancer (Low-Dose CT) | Age 50–80 with 30-pack-year smoking history |
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | One-time screening for men 65–75 who have ever smoked |
Each of these screenings plays a vital role in catching diseases before symptoms arise.
What We Tell Men Who Avoid Check-Ups
It’s not uncommon for men to say they don’t need a doctor unless something is wrong. But the truth is, many serious conditions — like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes — develop silently. By the time symptoms appear, treatment options may be more limited or outcomes less favorable.
When we talk with men who avoid check-ups, we emphasize that regular screenings can:
- Catch diseases early, when they’re most treatable.
- Provide peace of mind.
- Prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
- Support a better quality of life and increased longevity.
Taking time for a yearly check-up is one of the best investments a man can make — for himself and for those who care about him.
Dr. Paul Nguyen and Daniel Maechler, APRN, are primary care providers at Mercy Clinic Primary Care — Fort Smith Kelley Highway, inside Walmart.
