Dr. David Samadi | May 12, 2025 |

3 Health Tests Every Man Over 50 Shouldn’t Skip

By Dr. David Samadi 

Let’s face it—no one gets excited about scheduling health screenings. But if you’re a man over 50 (or approaching that milestone), these check-ups could seriously change your future for the better. The truth? The earlier you catch potential problems, the better your odds of living well and staying independent. So, let’s break down the top three health screenings that matter—and why now’s the time to prioritize them.

1. Prostate Cancer Screening: Know What’s Going On Down There

Prostate cancer is common—1 in 8 men will face it at some point. The good news? It’s highly treatable, especially when caught early. That’s where the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test comes in. A simple blood test can raise a red flag if something’s off.

But it’s not just about the test—it’s about knowing when to get screened. Most men should talk to their doctor about PSA testing around age 50. However, if prostate cancer runs in your family or you’re African American, that conversation should happen earlier—around age 40 or 45.

Why this matters:

  • Early-stage prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms.
  • When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is close to 98%.
  • Screening can help avoid more aggressive treatments down the road.

What to do:

  • Ask your doctor about PSA screening and digital rectal exams.
  • Don’t ignore symptoms like frequent urination or trouble emptying your bladder.
  • Know your family history and use it to guide your screening schedule.

2. Heart Health Check: Protect Your Engine

You only get one heart, which does a lot of heavy lifting. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men in the U.S., but the good news is that many heart issues are preventable or manageable when caught early. This means you have the power to protect your heart and your life.

That’s why regular heart health screenings aren’t just a nice idea—they’re essential.

Tests to ask about:

  • Blood pressure: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to serious problems.
  • Cholesterol panel: Unchecked cholesterol can quietly build up in your arteries.
  • EKG (electrocardiogram): Helps detect irregular heartbeats and other cardiac concerns.
  • Coronary calcium scan: A powerful tool to check for plaque buildup in your arteries.

What to do:

  • Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked annually.
  • If you have a family history of heart issues, be proactive—ask about additional tests.
  • Keep your heart happy with regular movement, stress management, and a balanced diet.

3. Colonoscopy: Not Fun, But Life-Saving

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the U.S.—but here’s the silver lining: it’s also one of the most preventable. Colonoscopies can spot and remove polyps before they become cancer.

The American Cancer Society now recommends starting screenings at age 45, not 50. If you’ve got a family history of colon cancer, you may need to start even sooner.

Why it matters:

  • Colorectal cancer often develops with no symptoms.
  • Polyps can take years to become cancerous—so early removal is key.
  • Colonoscopies are safe and effective and are typically done every 10 years (in most cases).

What to do:

  • Schedule your first colonoscopy at 45—or earlier if you’re high risk.
  • Ask your doctor how often you’ll need to be screened based on your results.
  • Eat more fiber (fruits, veggies, and whole grains) and less processed meat.

A Final Word: Your Future Self Will Thank You

These tests might not be your idea of fun, but they are crucial for your health. Skipping them could mean missing a chance to catch something serious early on. Think of them as investments in your future—so you can stay strong, active, and present for the people and passions that matter most to you.

And if you’ve already scheduled these? Huge props. Share this with a buddy who needs a nudge—it could literally save their life.

 

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.

0/50 ratings