Recommended Health Screenings for a 50-Year-Old Male
For a 50-year-old male, colorectal cancer screening should begin using annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) or colonoscopy every 10 years as first-tier screening options. 1, 2 Additionally, prostate cancer screening should be discussed through shared decision-making, and cardiovascular risk assessment should be performed.
Cancer Screenings
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Begin at age 50 for average-risk men 1, 3
- First-tier options (recommended):
- Alternative options:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- CT colonography every 5 years
- FIT-fecal DNA test every 3 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years 1
Prostate Cancer Screening
- For men aged 50-69, prostate cancer screening should be discussed using shared decision-making 1, 4
- Screening includes:
- PSA blood test
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) 4
- Men should be informed about potential benefits (21% reduction in prostate cancer mortality) and harms (overdiagnosis, false positives, treatment complications) 4
- African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer before age 65 should begin screening at age 45 4
Cardiovascular Screenings
- Blood pressure measurement at each healthcare visit 3
- Lipid screening for men aged 40-75 years 3
- Calculate body mass index (BMI) to assess obesity risk 3
- One-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening via ultrasonography for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked 3
Additional Recommended Screenings
- Diabetes screening, particularly important as it ranks third in prevalence among men over 50 5
- Skin examination for cancer detection 1
- Testicular examination as part of cancer-related checkup 1
- Lung cancer screening using low-dose CT for men 55-80 years with at least 30 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within past 15 years 3
Immunizations
- Update all immunizations according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines 3
- Common vaccines for this age group include:
- Annual influenza vaccine
- Tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years
- Zoster vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine based on risk factors
Lifestyle Counseling
- Tobacco cessation for current smokers
- Alcohol use assessment and counseling
- Diet and exercise habits evaluation
- Sexual health risk assessment 3
Important Considerations
- Screening recommendations should account for life expectancy and comorbidities 6
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension are the most prevalent conditions in men over 50, followed by diabetes and enlarged prostate 5
- Even when treated for hypertension and hyperlipidemia, men aged 50-59 may have significant residual coronary risk 7
Remember that these screenings are for asymptomatic individuals. Any concerning symptoms should prompt appropriate diagnostic evaluation regardless of screening schedules.