Men\'s Health Checkups: What Gets Overlooked

Men in Canada are significantly less likely than women to visit a healthcare provider for preventive care. Yet men face specific health risks that screening can address early. Key screening recommendations for men include blood pressure (starting at age 18, checked regularly), cholesterol and cardiovascular risk assessment (discuss with your physician at age 40, or earlier with risk factors), type 2 diabetes screening (starting at age 40, or earlier for high-risk groups), colorectal cancer screening (starting at age 50 - FIT test every 2 years), prostate cancer (discuss PSA testing with your physician - guidelines vary, and shared decision-making is recommended), and testicular self-exam (discuss with your physician, especially for men aged 15 to 35). Often overlooked areas include mental health (men are less likely to seek help for depression and anxiety - yet men account for approximately 75% of suicides in Canada), alcohol consumption (men are more likely to exceed recommended limits), and sexual health (STI testing, erectile dysfunction). The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care provides age-specific guidelines that your physician can review with you. Many of these screening discussions can begin through a telehealth visit. *This article is for informational purposes only.*

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Content reviewed by licensed Canadian physicians. Last updated February 2026.