Health Checklist for Men Over 40

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Print out this list to keep track of tests and procedures you need after the age of 40 and take it with you to your next doctor's appointment

Prostate Cancer Screening

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Digital rectal exam	The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to check for any prostate lumps or abnormalities	50; 40-45 for those at high risk, such as black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer	Annually
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test	Blood is drawn and tested for high PSA levels, a substance produced by the prostate. High levels may be a sign of prostate inflammation or cancer.	50; 40-45 for those at high risk, such as black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer	Annually

Colorectal cancer screening:

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Colonoscopy	Outpatient procedure in which a doctor inserts a long, flexible instrument — about 1/2 inch in diameter — into the rectum to view the rectum and entire colon. Many experts say colonoscopy is the most accurate colon cancer screening	50	Every 10 years, more often for those with a family history or history of colon polyps.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)	Stool is tested for blood — a possible sign of colorectal cancer	50	Annually (in combination with flexible sigmoidoscopy)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy	Outpatient procedure for examining the lower portion of the large intestine, called the sigmoid colon. A special instrument with a tiny camera attached is used.	50	Every 5 years (in combination with FOBT)
Air-contrast barium enema	Barium is given as an enema, and then air is blown in to make the barium spread over the lining of the colon, producing an outline of the colon on X-ray. This helps to reveal any irregularities in the lining, such as a polyp.	50	Every 5 years
*Flexible sigmoidoscopy, air-contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy are interchangeable. Your doctor will pick which screening test is best for you.

Skin cancer screening:

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Total body skin examination	Doctor examines your skin to detect precancerous and cancerous skin growths	50, or earlier for people with a family or personal history of skin cancer or with excessive sun exposure	Annually

Heart disease screening:

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Blood cholesterol test	Measures amount of total cholesterol, "bad" LDL, and "good" HDL cholesterol circulating in the blood. Levels of triglycerides, another blood fat, are also usually checked.	20	Every 5 years, or at your doctor's discretion
Blood pressure check	Measures blood pressure, an indicator of heart risk	18	At least every other year, more often if above normal
Fasting plasma glucose	Measures blood sugar, an indicator of diabetes risk	45	Every three years, or at your doctor's discretion

Eye disease screening:

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Glaucoma test	Measures eye pressure and eye health	60 for normal, healthy adults;40 for those with risk factors for glaucoma (family history, nearsightedness, diabetes, or African-American)	Annually

Vaccines/immunizations:

Procedure/test:	What it does:	Starting at age:	How often:	Date performed/results:
Tetanus booster	Restores protection against tetanus infection	Varies	Every 10 years
Pneumonia vaccine	Provides lifelong protection against pneumonia	20	65; earlier in people with risk factors, such as heart failure, lung disease, alcoholism, and others.
Influenza vaccine	Provides protection against common influenza strains	50 or earlier	Annually

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NOTE: Guidelines for screening vary. This is a compilation of generally accepted major screening recommendations from national health organizations and experts, but it is by no means comprehensive or a substitute for your doctor's advice.