6 essential health screenings for men: What to check and when

When it comes to health, prevention is always better than cure.

Yet, men are statistically less likely than women to attend routine health screenings, often missing opportunities to catch conditions early when they’re most treatable.

Whether due to stigma, lack of awareness or practical barriers like work schedules, the result is that many men are living with undiagnosed health issues that could be managed or even prevented.

To mark Men’s Health Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up six essential health checks every man should consider throughout his life – with expert insights from Marie Edison, Head of Medical Policy at Vitality.

1. Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK.

Sir Chris Hoy, Stephen Fry and Kenny Logan are just a few of the high-profile names who have received a diagnosis for prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, Vitality member, James – who was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, following an extensive health assessment through Vitality, said prior to his diagnosis, he did not see screening, now he sees it as “vital”.

“Lack of awareness and masculine ‘norms’ discourage men from seeking help”

Marie Edison, Head of Medical Policy, Vitality

Prostate cancer symptoms are not always apparent – as it was in James’s case – meaning early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

This makes screening all the more important.

What’s involved?

Traditionally, screening for prostate cancer has been done through a rectal exam.

However, the charity Prostate Cancer UK and the British Association for Urological Surgeons have called for an end to this examination, deeming it to be “of extremely limited value” in testing for prostate cancer.

Instead, they say that the fear and stigma around a rectal exam can deter men from speaking to their GP about prostate cancer risk.

Today, if someone is symptomatic of prostate cancer, is over the age of 50 or 45 if they are high risk, can make an appointment with their GP to talk in more depth about a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test.

The test – which involved a blood test to check for PSA levels in the blood – is available to anyone with a prostate, including trans-women and some non-binary people.

A raised PSA level does not necessarily mean someone has prostate cancer; prostatitis or an enlarged prostate can cause a high PSA level, for example.

When to start?

There are a number of factors that can mean someone receives a prostate cancer diagnosis.

However, some are more high risk than others. High risk can mean:

• Age – risk raises sharply among men after the age of 50
• Family history – having a father or brother who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or a close relative who has had ovarian or breast cancer
• Ethnicity – men from a black ethnic background are recommended to screen for prostate cancer at 45

2. Testicular Cancer Screening

Though less common, testicular cancer tends to affect younger men, typically between the ages of 15 and 55.

The good news? It’s highly treatable, especially when caught early.

What’s involved?

Monthly self-checks are key.

“Ideally, men should do this monthly after a warm shower,” says Edison.

“Roll the testes between index finger (and optionally middle finger) and thumb, starting at the bottom and working upwards, including up the cord.”

She adds: “Look for lumps, swelling, changes in size or shape, heaviness, or pain. Any unfamiliar changes should prompt a GP visit – most are benign, but early detection is key.”

Vitality members with health insurance can access a virtual video GP appointment within 48 hours. Download the Vitality GP app today to get started.

3. Diabetes checks – especially if overweight

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise and men who are overweight or obese are at greater risk.

Left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications including heart disease, nerve damage and vision loss.

What’s involved?

A simple blood test can check your glucose levels.

If you’re overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or are over 40, you may be eligible for an NHS Health Check every five years.

Why it matters

Early diagnosis allows for lifestyle changes and treatment that can prevent long-term damage.

Find out more about the lesser-known risks of type 2 diabetes here: The hidden risks of type 2 diabetes | Magazaine | Vitality.

Or if you want to know more about diabetes and health insurance, you can read our guide: Health insurance for diabetics explained.

4. Cardiovascular health checks

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among men in the UK.

Biological factors – men typically have higher levels of LDL cholesterol, known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and visceral fat – combined with lifestyle risks make men more susceptible.

Edison highlights one lesser-known link to help men better understand their heart health.

“Erectile function is a very good rough two to five-year predictor of heart issues.

“To have good erectile function, you need to have a healthy blood flow, so blood vessels that are not damaged by high blood sugar or blocked with cholesterol plaques – same as for a healthy heart.”

Prevention tips: Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, a healthy diet, exercise, weight management, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.

Want to know if you can get life insurance with a heart condition? You can find out more by reading our guide: Life insurance with a heart condition.

5. Full body health MOT

Think of a full body health MOT as a comprehensive health check-up.

It’s a chance to assess your overall wellbeing, including key metrics like blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI and lifestyle factors.

What’s involved?

Vitality offers discounted health assessments through its partners, helping members understand their key health numbers and take proactive steps to improve them.

“NHS Health Checks start at age 40 and are offered every five years,” says Edison.

“This age is when chronic conditions often begin silently – early detection improves outcomes.”

She adds: “Younger men should still monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and testicular health from their 20s ideally.”

6. Mental Health Review

Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health – yet men are less likely to seek help.

Social stigma and masculine norms often discourage open conversations.

For men to maintain good mental health, Edison says: “Exercise regularly and maintain sleep hygiene, address exacerbating factors like alcohol abuse.

“Practice mindfulness and talk about feelings – avoid harmful coping like alcohol.” She also recommends: “Use digital tools for self-guided support.”

She also says to: “Stay connected with friends and community groups like men’s circles.”

If you want to know more about the power of men’s circles, read our article here: Why men's circles matter more than ever | Magazine | Vitality

Why it matters

Poor mental health can affect every aspect of life – from relationships to physical wellbeing.

Men are less likely to access support and more likely to suffer in silence. Vitality research, however, shows that men are – encouragingly – doing more to support their mental health.

Regular check-ins, like Talking Therapies, and open conversations can help break the stigma and encourage healthier coping strategies.

Watch Vitality Ambassadors Jos Buttler and Joe Root test their knowledge on men's health with our baking challenge with a twist

Breaking down barriers

So why are men less likely to attend health screenings? According to Edison, there are a number of factors at play.

She says: “Men consistently show lower uptake in NHS screening programmes – for example, bowel and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

“Meanwhile, social barriers, including stigma, lack of awareness and masculine ‘norms’, discourage men from seeking help.”

She adds: “Men often have less prior experience with routine health checks and can be apprehensive for intimate conditions.

“In some groups, cultural differences in attitudes towards modesty or intimate examinations – such as rectal exams – may make certain screening procedures less acceptable.”

And there are practical barriers to contend with as well.

“Some male-dominated industries have more physical/access barriers – for example, construction workers are often working away from home during the week, so cannot make clinic hours or are not geographically near their registered GP,” explains Edison.

Finally

Health checks aren’t just for when something feels wrong, they’re a proactive way to stay on top of your wellbeing.

Whether it’s a quick self-check or a full MOT, these six health checks can help men live longer, healthier lives.

To learn more about health checks for men, read our guide on specific checks and tests here: Men’s health checks and tests | A complete guide.

Related: 5 ways to support the men in your life with their mental health