You're a healthy guy. You eat right and exercise. You've never even had a cavity. So you may think it's no big deal to skip an annual wellness check. But not so fast. Preventive screenings are important for your health.
Screenings help find hidden health problems early, before you have symptoms and when they are easier to treat. If you have insurance, your health plan covers a number of preventive screenings* at no cost. That means you won't have to pay anything when you go for your exam.
The type of screening tests you may need depend on your age and other risk factors. Use this guide to learn about the screening tests that are important for men to have for a long and healthy life.
A Guide to Top Risks and How to Prevent Them
Cáncer
Every year, more than lose their lives to cancer. The five most common cancers for men are skin, prostate, lung, bladder and colorectal. The facts drive home why regular screenings are so important. Talk to your doctor about which ones are best for you and how often you need them.
After skin cancer, is the most common cancer in American men. Aparece generalmente en hombres de edad avanzada y tiene varias opciones de tratamiento. For men aged 55 to 69 years, the decision to get regular screenings for prostate cancer should be an individual one, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. You should discuss your risks with your doctor and decide on the best plan of action for you.
Cáncer colorrectal is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. of both men and women. A screening can find precancerous growths called polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. If cancer is found, early treatment is effective in preventing death.
Do you smoke? Talk to your doctor about your lung health, and about ways to quit. is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in both men and women in the U.S. Counseling for quitting smoking may be covered by your plan. Aids to help you quit, like nicotine patches, may be covered, too. Verifique sus beneficios.
If you're over the age of 45, it's time to get serious about cancer screenings. If some types of cancer run in your family, talk with your doctor about being screened earlier. Based on your results, your doctor will let you know when you should be screened again.
Presión arterial alta
A blood pressure check by a health professional is easy and painless — and important. Presión arterial alta (also called hypertension) is the single biggest risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems.
High blood pressure usually doesn't have warning signs or symptoms. Checking your blood pressure is the only way to find out if you have it. Have yours checked regularly.
If your blood pressure is high, or you have certain risk factors, your doctor may suggest more frequent checks. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep yours in check.
Colesterol alto
A simple blood test will let you know if your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range. If yours is high, you have a higher risk for heart disease and heart attack.
As with high blood pressure, high cholesterol often doesn't have symptoms. Men over 35 should get their cholesterol tested regularly. If you are at risk for heart disease, a doctor may advise you to start earlier. Family genetics, your own medical history of heart issues, and the amount of stress in your life are some of the risk factors.
Diabetes tipo 2
If you have high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes tipo 2, be proactive and get tested for the disease. Without proper management, Type 2 diabetes can lead to other serious health issues. In fact, people who don't know they have Type 2 diabetes have a much higher risk for stroke and heart disease.
Depresión
Su salud mental es tan importante como su salud física. If you feel sad and hopeless for more than two weeks, talk with your doctor about a screening for depression. Depression often gets worse if left untreated.
Comenzar
This isn't a complete list of all the preventive tests often covered by health plans at no charge to you. A good place to learn more about which screenings are right for you is a visit with your primary care provider. Schedule a yearly exam and talk about screenings and a preventive care plan tailored to your health needs.
*Los servicios de prevención sin costo son solo válidos para asegurados con seguros de gastos médicos sin derechos adquiridos. Es posible que tenga que pagar la totalidad o parte del costo de los cuidados preventivos si su seguro de gastos médicos tiene derechos adquiridos. Para saber si su seguro tiene o no derechos adquiridos, llame al número de Servicio al Cliente que figura en su tarjeta de asegurado.
Fuentes: , American Cancer Society, 2026; , American Cancer Society, 2026; Prostate Cancer: Screening, Grupo de trabajo de Servicios de prevención de los Estados Unidos, 2018; Presión arterial alta, American Heart Association; , Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, 2024; , CDC, 2024; , American Cancer Society, 2025; , CDC, 2024; , CDC, 2025; , American Lung Association, 2026