Many men take better care of their cars than their health. They’ll go in for an oil change but put off a check-up for months—or even years.
A national survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that:
- More than half of men said their health is not something they like to talk about.
- About 72% said they would rather stay home than see a doctor.
If that sounds like you, it may be time to think differently. Your health is like the engine that keeps your life running—you can’t ignore it and expect it to keep going strong. Taking care of yourself now helps prevent bigger problems later.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your health is to keep up with regular screenings. These are simple tests that can find health issues early—before you feel sick—when they’re easier to treat.
Here are four key screenings our doctors at Palm Primary Care recommend for men:
1. Diabetes Screening
Men can develop type 2 diabetes at a lower weight than women. This is often because men carry more belly fat, which makes it harder for the body to use insulin properly.
When to get it:
- Most men should start screening at age 35 and repeat every 3 years if results are normal.
- If you have risk factors—like being overweight, having high blood pressure, or having a family history—you should start sooner and test every year.
2. Cholesterol Screening
Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamins, and healthy cells.
But too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) can cause fatty buildup in your arteries, making them narrow. This raises your risk for heart disease and stroke.
When to get it:
- Start testing at age 20 and repeat every 4–6 years.
- If you have diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart disease, test more often.
3. Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the top causes of cancer death in men.
It often starts from small growths called polyps in the bowel. Polyps aren’t always cancer, but they can turn into cancer if not removed.
Screening options include:
- Colonoscopy – lets doctors look inside your large intestine and remove polyps during the same procedure.
- FIT or FIT-DNA test – simple home stool tests that check for hidden blood or abnormal DNA.
When to get it:
- Start at age 45 if you are at average risk.
- If you have a family history, past polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease, you may need to start sooner.
Talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
4. Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is common in men, especially after age 50. About 13 out of 100 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with it.
Screening may include:
- A PSA blood test
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the size and shape of the prostate.
When to get it:
- Start at age 50 if you’re at average risk.
- Start at age 45 if you’re African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Taking the Next Step
At Palm Primary Care, we believe in more than just treating illness. We’re here to help men take charge of their health with regular screenings, clear information, and personal support.
Call us at (866) 840-7728 to schedule your appointment and start your path to better health today.
