Staying healthy means routine screenings for men of all ages

Dr.  Steven Lamm, a physician at the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Men's Health at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan, says men need to take charge of their health from the beginning.

In their 20s and 30s, it's important for them to establish a relationship with a primary care physician and to get baseline numbers for blood pressure and cholesterol and make sure immunizations are up to date.  

Lamm also recommends testicular exams since men are at a higher risk of testicular cancer in their 20s and 30s.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men in the U.S. Men in their 30s and 40s should know their risks.

"You really want to know if your blood pressure is normal, if your cholesterol is normal," Lamm said. "If you are overweight, establish a program for weight loss."

When it comes to prostate cancer screening, health guidelines recommend against using the PSA test, but some doctors recommend a baseline test at age 40.

When men reach 50, it's time to start colon cancer screening. Lung cancer screenings are also recommended, at age 55, for heavy former or current smokers.  

Lamm says it is critical for men to check in with their doctor to make good decisions about screening, including hearing and eye screenings.

"(Doctors) need to personalize the  testing based on the patient's personal history  family history and their own concerns," he said.