Male Lifetime Check-Ups
Screening-Up / Screening | Recommended Age / Frequency | Importance | Key Notes (incl. SA Context) | Remind me |
Routine Wellness / Physical Exam | Every 3-5 years (19-49); annually (50+) | High | Foundation for prevention; public clinics available | yes |
Blood Pressure Screening | Start at 18; every 1-2 years if normal; more often if elevated | High | Prevents heart disease/stroke | yes |
Cholesterol / Lipid Panel | 20-35 if risks; all men 35-75 routinely; repeat 4-6 years | High | Cardiovascular risk reduction | yes |
Diabetes / Prediabetes Screening | Start at 35 (earlier if overweight); every 3 years if normal | High | Often silent until complications | yes |
Colorectal Cancer Screening | Average risk: Start at 45-50 to 75 (colonoscopy/FIT per doctor) | High | CANSA: From age 50; highly preventable | yes |
Prostate Cancer Screening (PSA +/- DRE) | Shared decision: Start 45 (high-risk) or 50; discuss risks | Medium | CANSA: Annual from 40 (high-risk), 45 (at risk), every 2 years from 50 | yes |
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) | One-time at 65-75 if ever smoked | High | Prevents fatal rupture | yes |
Lung Cancer Screening (low-dose CT) | Annual 50-80 if 20+ pack-year smoking history | High | Only for current/recent heavy smokers | yes |
HIV, Hepatitis C & STI Screening | HIV/Hep C: One-time (or more if risk) 15-79+; STIs risk-based | High | Free testing at SA clinics | yes |
Testicular Cancer Self-Exam | Monthly from adolescence (teens-40s) | Low/Optional | Rare and highly curable | yes |
Mental Health / Depression Screening | At wellness visits or as needed | High | Often under-diagnosed in men | yes |
Vaccinations | Lifelong per national schedule (flu, COVID, pneumococcal 65+) | High | Follow SA immunisation program | yes |
Osteoporosis (DEXA) | Risk-based (70+ or risk factors) | Low/Optional | Not routine for average-risk men | yes |
Eye Exam | Every 1-2 years from 40+ or if diabetes/vision issues | Medium | Preventive for vision loss | yes |
Dental Exam | Every 6-12 months | High | Linked to overall health | yes |
Skin Cancer Self-Exam | Monthly (ABCDE rule) | Medium | Awareness only | yes |
TB Screening | As needed (especially with HIV) | High | Important in South Africa | yes |