Health Screenings and Labs Recommended for a 45-Year-Old Male
For a 45-year-old male, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 using one of several testing options, including annual fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), colonoscopy every 10 years, or other approved screening methods. 1
Cancer Screenings
Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Begin screening at age 45 with one of the following options 2, 1:
- Annual high-sensitivity guaiac fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 10 years
- CT colonography every 5 years
- Multitarget stool DNA test every 3 years
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
Prostate Cancer Screening
- Discuss prostate cancer screening options at age 45, especially for men at higher risk (African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer) 2
- Screening involves PSA testing and possibly digital rectal examination 1
- Shared decision-making approach recommended to weigh potential benefits against harms of screening 2, 1
Cardiovascular Health Screenings
Blood Pressure Screening
Lipid Screening
- Recommended for men 40 to 75 years of age 2, 3
- Includes total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol measurements 2
- Can be performed on non-fasting samples 2
- Abnormal results should be confirmed with repeat testing 2
- Screening interval typically every 5 years for normal results, more frequent for borderline results 2
Diabetes Screening
- Recommended for adults 35 to 70 years who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥25) 4
- Testing options include 5:
- Fasting plasma glucose (≥126 mg/dL indicates diabetes)
- Hemoglobin A1C (≥6.5% indicates diabetes)
- 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (≥200 mg/dL indicates diabetes)
- Repeat testing every 3 years if results are normal 4
General Health Assessment
- Calculate BMI to assess weight status 3
- Assess tobacco and alcohol use 3
- Evaluate diet and exercise habits 3
- Screen for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections based on risk factors 3
- Review immunization status and update as needed 3
Important Considerations
- Risk factors such as family history, smoking status, and existing health conditions may warrant earlier or more frequent screening 1, 3
- All positive results on non-colonoscopy colorectal screening tests should be followed up with timely colonoscopy 1
- Lifestyle counseling regarding diet, exercise, and smoking cessation is an essential component of preventive care 3, 6
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying colorectal cancer screening beyond age 45, as guidelines have recently lowered the recommended starting age from 50 to 45 1
- Failing to repeat abnormal lipid or glucose test results for confirmation before making a diagnosis 2, 5
- Not considering individual risk factors that might necessitate earlier or more intensive screening 1
- Overlooking the importance of shared decision-making for prostate cancer screening 2