--- title: Men's Health Checks in Your 20s, 30s and 40s description: "Men's health checks by age: what to check in your 20s, 30s and 40s, when to start bowel cancer screening and PSA tests, and which tests you don't need." --- [![HealthBank](https://blog.healthbank.io/hs-fs/hubfs/HB_Logo.png?width=100&height=91&name=HB_Logo.png)HealthBank/Blog](https://blog.healthbank.io) [Blog](https://blog.healthbank.io) [Help centre](https://help.healthbank.io) [Contact](https://www.healthbank.io/talk-to-us) [Back to HealthBank](https://dashboard.healthbank.io/app/dashboard) [Blog](https://blog.healthbank.io)  ›  Hormones # Men's Health Checks by Age: What You Need in Your 20s, 30s, 40s and Beyond [![Robbie Clark](https://blog.healthbank.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Authors/robbie-clark-avatar.png?width=32&height=32&name=robbie-clark-avatar.png)Robbie Clark](https://www.healthbank.io/p/robbie-clark) 26 Oct 2026 Written by [Robbie Clark](https://www.healthbank.io/p/robbie-clark), BExSc (Nutrition), M (Nutr+Diet), Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Exercise Scientist · Last updated 19 October 2026 · [7 references](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#references) The short answer - **20s and 30s:** find a doctor you trust, check your blood pressure regularly, get STI checks if you're sexually active, check your own skin and testicles, and look after your mental health.[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) - **From 40:** check your type 2 diabetes risk every 3 years.[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) - **From 45:** have a heart health check, and do the free bowel cancer screening test every 2 years.[2](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-2),[4](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-4) - **Prostate:** talk to your doctor about PSA testing. It's recommended every 2 years from 50 to 69 after an informed discussion, and from 45 if you're at higher risk.[5](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-5) Men's health needs change from decade to decade. Here's what tends to be going on in your 20s, 30s and 40s, which checks are recommended at each stage, and which ones you probably don't need. ## How often should men have a health check? There's no need for everyone to have a full check-up every six or twelve months. A large Cochrane review found that general health checks for everyone didn't reduce deaths from heart disease, cancer or any cause.[1](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-1) What does help is having a doctor you see regularly and getting the specific checks recommended for your age, family history and risk factors. Make an appointment sooner if something changes or worries you. ## What health checks do men need in their 20s? Your 20s are an exciting time. You may be starting a career, travelling and generally enjoying yourself, and it's hard to imagine getting sick. But habits you build now pay off later. Smoking, binge drinking, drug use and unsafe sex are more common in this age group, and young men are also vulnerable to mental health problems but often don't seek help. Find a doctor you feel comfortable with and talk to them about:[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) - **Blood pressure** – ask your doctor how often to check it - **Sexual health** – get tested for sexually transmitted infections regularly if you're sexually active, especially with a new partner - **Your skin** – check your own skin regularly and see a doctor about any new or changing spots - **Your testicles** – get to know what's normal for you and see a doctor straight away about any lump or change - **Your mental health** – raise any stress, anxiety, low mood, alcohol or drug concerns - **Dental check-up** – once a year Get support from a practitioner who helps with healthy lifestyle changes Find practitioners on HealthBank who work with lifestyle medicine, nutrition and preventive health. Many offer a free discovery call, online, by phone or in person. [Find a health practitioner →](https://www.healthbank.io/practitioners?specialties%5B%5D=Lifestyle+Medicine) ## What health checks do men need in their 30s? Your 30s can be busy, with milestones like building your career, relationships, starting a family or buying a home. Juggling it all can be stressful, and health often takes a back seat. Keeping up your fitness, strength and a healthy weight now makes a big difference later, as muscle tends to decline and body fat tends to rise with age. If you're planning a family, a healthy lifestyle may also support your fertility. Keep up the checks from your 20s, and if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Ask your doctor whether you need any earlier checks based on your family history, such as heart disease, diabetes or bowel cancer in close relatives. ## What health checks do men need in their 40s? In your 40s, things can start to catch up with you. Work and family responsibilities can eat into your sleep, exercise and downtime. There's no point working towards retirement only to find you're not healthy enough to enjoy it, so make your health a priority. On top of the earlier checks: - **Diabetes risk, from 40:** your doctor can check your type 2 diabetes risk with a short questionnaire (AUSDRISK) every 3 years.[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) - **Heart health check, from 45:** your blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors are combined to estimate your risk of heart attack or stroke. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men should start from 30, and men with diabetes from 35.[2](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-2) - **Bowel cancer screening, from 45:** the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program offers a free test you do at home every 2 years from 45 to 74. If you're 45–49, you need to request your first kit; from 50 it's mailed to you.[4](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-4) - **Prostate:** talk to your doctor about PSA testing. For most men, routine testing isn't recommended at 45–49, but it is offered every 2 years from 50 to 69 after an informed discussion. Men at higher risk, for example if a brother or father had prostate cancer, can start at 45.[5](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-5) Heart health and diabetes risk should be a priority at this age. Eat well, stay active, keep alcohol within guidelines and, if you still smoke, stop. ## Which tests don't you need routinely? - **Testosterone:** only test if you have symptoms such as low libido, low energy or erection problems, and use a blood test taken in the morning before eating, repeated to confirm. Saliva and urine hormone tests aren't used to diagnose low testosterone.[6](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-6) - **Bone density scans:** not needed in your 30s or 40s unless you have low testosterone or have broken a bone in a minor fall.[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) - **Digital prostate exams:** under the 2026 guidelines, GPs no longer need to offer one as a routine addition to a PSA test.[7](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-7) Struggling? Reach out for support If you're having a hard time or thoughts of self-harm, you don't have to deal with it alone. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. Get support from a practitioner who helps with healthy lifestyle changes Find practitioners on HealthBank who work with lifestyle medicine, nutrition and preventive health. Many offer a free discovery call, online, by phone or in person. [Find a health practitioner →](https://www.healthbank.io/practitioners?specialties%5B%5D=Lifestyle+Medicine) ## Frequently asked questions ### How often should a man get a health check? There's no set schedule for everyone. See a doctor regularly and get the specific checks recommended for your age and risk.[1](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-1),[3](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-3) ### When should men start bowel cancer screening? From 45. The free home test is offered every 2 years from 45 to 74.[4](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-4) ### When should men get a PSA test? Talk to your doctor. PSA testing is offered every 2 years from 50 to 69 after an informed discussion, and from 45 for men at higher risk.[5](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-5) ### When should I get a heart health check? From 45, or 30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and 35 for men with diabetes.[2](https://blog.healthbank.io/mens-health-checks-in-your-20s-30s-and-40s#ref-2) ### Should I get my testosterone checked? Only if you have symptoms. Your doctor can arrange a blood test if needed. ## References **Research** 1. Krogsbøll LT, Jørgensen KJ, Gøtzsche PC. General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease. *Cochrane Database Syst Rev.* 2019;1:CD009009. [PubMed 30699470](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30699470/) 2. Nelson MR, Banks E, Brown A, et al. 2023 Australian guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk. *Med J Aust.* 2024;220(9). [View source](https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52280) **Australian guidelines** 1. Better Health Channel (Victorian Government). Health checks for men. [View source](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/health-checks-for-men) 2. Australian Government Department of Health. About the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. [View source](https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/about-the-national-bowel-cancer-screening-program) 3. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer in Australia (2026). [View source](https://www.pcfa.org.au/news-media/news/what-are-the-current-guidelines-for-early-prostate-cancer-detection-in-australia/) 4. Chan I, Ng Tang Fui M, Zajac JD, Grossmann M. Assessment and management of male androgen disorders: an update. *Aust Fam Physician.* 2014;43(5):277–282. [View source](https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/041c8600-4ef8-4f19-a48c-7a0057582b5d/Male-androgen-disorders.aspx) 5. ABC News. New prostate guidelines open the door to testing men under 50 and over 70 (7 August 2026). [View source](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-07/prostate-cancer-screening-guidelines-change/107009124) *This article is general information, not medical advice. Which checks you need depends on your age, family history and risk factors – speak with your doctor about your own needs.* [Hormones](https://blog.healthbank.io/tag/hormones) [![Robbie Clark](https://blog.healthbank.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Authors/robbie-clark-avatar.png?width=72&height=72&name=robbie-clark-avatar.png)](https://www.healthbank.io/p/robbie-clark) Written by **[Robbie Clark](https://www.healthbank.io/p/robbie-clark)** Robbie is a Sydney-based Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and Exercise Scientist with over 17 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Nutrition) and a Master of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is the Director and Co-founder of HealthBank. [Book a free 15-min call](https://dashboard.healthbank.io/booking/attendance-modes?practitionerId=7a900b23-04a3-4c3c-b14e-e3405c1af6d7&consultationTypeId=4e536270-c479-40a5-af89-691502f4578d) [View Robbie's profile →](https://www.healthbank.io/p/robbie-clark) ## Related articles ### [Women's health Nutrition for Bone Health: How to Build and Keep Strong Bones Nutrition for bone health: how much calcium you need, the best food sources, why vitamin D and exercise ... Read article →](https://blog.healthbank.io/building-strong-bones-nutrition-for-bone-health-at-every-age) ### [Seasonal Healthy Snacks for Work: What a Dietitian Always Carries in Their Bag Healthy snacks for work: what a dietitian always carries in their bag, the best portable snacks, why sugary ... 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