Sansum Clinic is committed to improving the health of men and boys. We recommend annual exams with your primary care provider. The easiest way to schedule an annual exam is to use MyChart. You can also add yourself to our Wait List in case an earlier appointment becomes available.
We also recommend these men’s healthcare guidelines, in addition to regular annual checkups:
All Men
Annual flu shots
Body mass index (BMI) calculated every 1 to 2 years
Screening for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension
Stay current on the CDC's Adult Immunization Schedule
Know your family history of medical conditions like heart disease, cancer or other potentially-inheritable conditions which may impact preventive health screening guidelines.
Perform testicular self-exam, especially if you have a personal or family history of testicular cancer. Be aware of testicular symptoms, like testicular torsion, where a testicle rotates and causes sudden pain or swelling.
Depression screening during routine exams
Cholesterol screening every 4-6 years for men age 20+
If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or heart disease, there will be specific screening guidelines that your primary care provider and/or specialty provider will recommend.
Regular skin exams are recommended for people who have a personal or family history of skin cancer or certain conditions that increase their risk for skin cancer. It is important to be aware of changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change to an existing mole, and to report them to your doctor promptly.
Age 35+
Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in men who are overweight (BMI greater than or equal to 25) or considered to be medically-obese (BMI of 30 or greater)
Cholesterol screening, even with no risk factors for coronary heart disease
Age 40+
Discuss with your healthcare provider any bowel symptoms or changes like blood in the stool or pain during bowel movements.
Discuss with your healthcare provider about whether you need a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test if you are an African-American man or have a family history of prostate cancer.
Baseline comprehensive eye exam starting at age 40, even if you have no symptoms or risk factors, to look for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration
Age 45+
Colonoscopy for men of average risk for colon cancer. Discuss with your healthcare provider any personal history of colon cancer or polyps, family history of colon cancer, or an inherited genetic condition which could raise your risk of colon cancer.
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes screening with blood testing, even without symptoms
Age 50+
For smokers or those who have quit within the past 15 years, ask your healthcare provider if you qualify for lung cancer screening with annual low-dose CT scanning.
Men between the ages of 50 and 69 should talk to their doctors about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening tests.
Age 55+
Age 65+
Symptoms to watch for & always report to your healthcare provider:
Changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, pain during bowel movements
Changes in bladder habits like frequent urination or blood in the urine
Impotence or inability to have an erection
Feeling sad, anxious or helpless, loss of interest in activities, or trouble sleeping
Healthy Lifestyle Habits:
Eat a healthy, varied diet.
Stay active. Get regular exercise/physical activity.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks in a day.
Maintain a healthy weight and learn to manage stress in a healthy way.
Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can affect memory, emotional health and weight.
Don't smoke and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.