Preventive check-ups for men: all important checks at a glance
Preventive healthcare is an essential part of a long and healthy life for men. Many serious illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer or diabetes develop over years without any recognizable symptoms. Regular check-ups can detect and treat illnesses at an early stage - often before they lead to serious health problems. In this article, you can find out which check-ups are recommended for men in different age groups, how the check-ups are carried out and which services are covered by health insurance.
Medically tested by:
Dr. Hamidreza Mahoozi, FEBTS, FCCP
First publication:
February 26, 2025
Updated:
June 26, 2025
Why are preventive check-ups for men so important?
Many men take advantage of preventive check-ups less often than women. This is often due to ignorance, a lack of time or the assumption that they are healthy as long as no symptoms occur. But this is precisely where the danger lies: many illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or cancer do not initially cause any noticeable symptoms.
The importance of prevention for men’s health
Enable preventive health checks:
- Early detection of diseasesThe earlier a disease is detected, the better the chances of treatment.
- Reduction of health risksBy measuring blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol, risk factors can be identified and treated.
- Extending the quality of lifePrevention helps to avoid chronic diseases or positively influence their course.
Why men go to preventive care less often – and why they should change it
Studies show that men often avoid preventive check-ups because they feel healthy or find visits to the doctor unpleasant. But one Early diagnosis can save lives. The risk of many diseases increases considerably from the age of 40 in particular.
What preventive check-ups are there for men and when are they useful?
In the following we present the most important check-ups for men by age group age groups.
1. preventive check-ups for men over 30
Even if many men are still healthy in their 30s, some examinations should be carried out regularly at this age.
Health check-up (health insurance benefit every 3 years)
Examination includes:
- General physical examination
- Measurement of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Urine test for signs of kidney disease or diabetes
- Advice on lifestyle, nutrition and exercise
Why is this important? This general check helps, detect cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease at an early stage. People with statutory health insurance have from 35 are entitled to this check-up every three years.
Skin cancer screening (recommended for risk groups)
Examination includes: Full-body examination of the skin for conspicuous moles or skin changes
Why is this important? Especially men with fair skin or strong sunlight exposure (e.g. due to outdoor professions) should have themselves checked regularly.
Check vaccination status (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough)
Brush up on important vaccinations:
- Tetanus & DiphtheriaEvery 10 years
- Whooping cough (pertussis): One booster in adulthood
- Hepatitis BRecommended for men at increased risk (e.g. medical personnel)
2. preventive check-ups for men over 40
With increasing age, the risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Check blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly
Examination includes:
- Measurement of blood pressure (hypertension is often asymptomatic!)
- Blood test to determine total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels
Why is this important? Elevated blood pressure or high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes screening for at-risk groups
Examination includes: Fasting blood glucose measurement or HbA1c test
Why is this important?
Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually and goes unnoticed for a long time.
Colorectal cancer screening (in the case of a family history)
Examination includes:
- Stool test for hidden blood
- Colonoscopy (for high risk)
Why is this important? Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, but detected early and easily treatable.
3. preventive check-ups for men over 50
From the age of 50 the risk of prostate cancer, bowel cancer and cardiovascular disease increases significantly.
Prostate cancer screening (digital rectal examination and PSA test)
Examination includes:
- Palpation examination of the prostate
- PSA blood test (optional)
Why is this important? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in menbut can often be treated well if detected early.
Bowel cancer screening (annual test for hidden blood in the stool)
Examination includes: Stool test (iFOBT) or colonoscopy (colonoscopy)
Why is this important? Regular testing significantly reduces the risk of advanced bowel cancer.
Cardiovascular examinations (ECG, stress ECG if required)
Examination includes:
- Resting ECG for the detection of cardiac arrhythmia
- Exercise ECG to assess cardiac performance
4. preventive check-ups for men over 60
At 60, the risk of stroke, osteoporosis and lung diseases.
- Extended cardiovascular checks (vascular ultrasound for stroke prevention): Ultrasound of the carotid arteries (carotid Doppler) to assess arteriosclerosis.
- Lung function test for smokers and ex-smokers: Spirometry to measure lung capacity
- Bone density measurement for early detection of osteoporosis: DEXA scan to measure bone density
Note:
Although screenings provide an important basis for early detection, they do not cover all health risks. Many diseases, especially those that are influenced by genetic factors or lifestyle conditions, require additional diagnostic measures.
Early detection of diseases: Which examinations should men not miss?
The regular early detection of diseases is crucial for men’s health. Many serious diseases such as Cancer, cardiovascular problems or diabetes can be detected at an early stage with simple examinations.
In this section you will learn which examinations are particularly important, which values should be checked regularly and how men can actively contribute to prevention through a healthy lifestyle.
1. cancer screening for men
A. Prostate cancer: symptoms, examination methods and prevention
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Germany. The disease often causes no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular check-ups are particularly important.
Possible symptoms of prostate cancer:
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips or thighs
Examination methods:
- Digital rectal examination (DRU): The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum for changes.
- PSA test (blood test): Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An elevated value can indicate prostate cancer, but can also have other causes.
- Biopsy & imaging (MRI, ultrasound): If abnormalities are detected, a tissue sample can be taken.
Prevention:
- Healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids
- Regular exercise and maintaining a normal weight
- Take advantage of check-ups from the age of 45
B. Colorectal cancer screening: when colonoscopy is recommended
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, but develops slowly over many years. If detected early, it is easily treatable.
When should preventive care begin?
– From the age of 50:
- Stool test (iFOBT): Test for hidden blood in the stool (annual)
- Colonoscopy (colonoscopy): Recommended every 10 years
– From the age of 40 if there is a family history: Men with a parent or sibling with bowel cancer should go for screening earlier.
Why is a colonoscopy important?
- Polyps in the bowel can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer.
C. Skin cancer screening: Why regular checks are crucial
Skin cancer is particularly common in men over 50, especially in people with high UV exposure or fair skin.
Investigation:
– Full body examination by a dermatologist (every two years, covered by health insurance from the age of 35)
– ABCDE rule for moles:
- Asymmetry
- Befinition (irregular?)
- Color (color changes?)
- Ddiameter (>5 mm?)
- Eustomization or change?
Prevention:
- Use sunscreen with a high sun protection factor
- Avoid the solarium
- Check your skin regularly for changes
2. cardiovascular check: prevention of heart attacks and strokes
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in men. Checking important health values at an early stage can significantly reduce the risk.
Which values should a man check regularly?
- Blood pressure:
- Normal value: 120/80 mmHg
- High blood pressure (hypertension) can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of stroke.
- Cholesterol levels:
- Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dl
- LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) should be low
- HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”) should be high
- Blood sugar (diabetes risk):
- Normal blood sugar should be < 100 mg/dl
- Regular tests from the age of 40, especially if overweight
Symptoms that may indicate heart problems
- Alarm sign for a heart attack:
- Pain or feeling of pressure in the chest
- Shortness of breath, nausea or sweating
- Pain in the left arm or jaw
- Warning signals for a stroke (FAST test):
- Face (face): Paralysis on one side?
- Arm: One arm cannot be lifted?
- Speech: Language blurred or not possible?
- Time: Call an ambulance immediately!
Stay healthy: Tips for better preventive care for men
In addition to medical check-ups, men can actively do something for their health.
A. Healthy nutrition for men of all ages
- More plant-based foods: Vegetables, fruit, whole grain products
- Give preference to good fats: Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts)
- Less sugar and processed foods: Reduces diabetes risk
B. Sport and exercise as prevention against typical male diseases
Regular exercise reduces the risk of:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes & high blood pressure
- Osteoporosis & muscle atrophy
Recommendation:
- At least 150 minutes of moderate training per week (e.g. cycling, swimming)
- 2x per week strength training for muscle building
C. Stress management and mental health
Why is mental health important?
- Stress can lead to high blood pressure, sleep problems & depression can lead to depression.
- Men are often less likely to talk about psychological stress.
Tips for less stress:
- Regular breaks and hobbies
- Try meditation or breathing exercises
- Seek professional help if problems persist
Which preventive medical check-ups are covered by health insurance?
The statutory health insurance companies in Germany cover many important preventive examinations for men. The exact benefits may vary slightly depending on the health insurance company, but there are fixed guidelines as to which examinations are regularly reimbursed.
Costs covered by statutory and private health insurance companies
Statutory health insurance (GKV): Which preventive check-ups are free of charge?
The GKV generally covers the following examinations:
- Health check-up: From the age of 35 every 3 years (incl. blood pressure measurement, blood sugar and cholesterol levels)
- Skin cancer screening: Every 2 years from the age of 35
- Colorectal cancer screening:
- Stool test annually from the age of 50
- Colonoscopy from the age of 50 (repeated after 10 years if the findings are normal)
- Prostate cancer screening: Palpation examination of the prostate once a year from the age of 45
- Vaccinations: Regular boosters (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, flu vaccination from the age of 60)
Private health insurance (PKV): What are the benefits?
Private health insurance companies often cover additional preventive examinations, e.g:
- PSA test for the early detection of prostate cancer
- Extended cardiovascular checks (stress ECG, vascular ultrasound)
- Vitamin and mineral analyses for individual prevention
Individual health services (IGeL): Which examinations are worthwhile?
Individual health services (IGeL) are medical examinations that patients pay for themselves. pay for themselves as they are not covered by statutory health insurance. However, some of these examinations can still be useful.
Useful IGeL services for men:
PSA test for the early detection of prostate cancer:
- Can detect changes in the prostate at an early stage
- Should be used with medical advice
Stress ECG and cardiac ultrasound: Particularly important for men with risk factors (obesity, smoking, family history)
Bone density measurement: Helpful for the early detection of osteoporosis, especially in men over 60
Lung function test: Useful for smokers and ex-smokers for the early detection of COPD or lung cancer
Common misconceptions and myths about men’s pension provision
Many men avoid preventive check-ups due to myths or misunderstandings. Here are the most common misconceptions – and the medical facts.
A. ‘I feel healthy, so I don’t need a check-up’.
Fact: Many diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer go unnoticed for a long time.
B. ‘Preventive care is only for older men’.
Fact: Some diseases such as high blood pressure or skin cancer can occur at a young age.
C. ‘The prostate examination is painful or unpleasant.
Fact: The digital rectal examination (DRU) only takes a few seconds and is painless.
D. ‘If I do a cancer screening, I might find something I don’t want to know.
Fact: Cancers that are detected early often have a better chance of being cured.
E. Are there any disadvantages to cancer screening? Information about possible concerns and fears
Some men have concerns about cancer screening. It is important to be informed about possible risks, but also to recognize the benefits.
Possible risks and misdiagnoses: what men should know
Overdiagnosis: Sometimes tumors are discovered that would never have caused problems.
False-positive results: Tests such as the PSA test can show elevated levels without cancer being present.
Unnecessary interventions: If the findings are unclear, additional tests may be necessary.
Important: Most screening tests are well researched and help to detect serious illnesses at an early stage.
Why the advantages of cancer screening outweigh the disadvantages
- Early detection improves the chances of recovery.
- Cancer at an early stage is often easier to treat.
- Many examinations are quick and painless.
F. Early detection is only for older men? Why screening tests are important as early as the 30s
A widespread misconception is that preventive medical check-ups are only relevant in old age. But Many health risks begin in the 30s.
Risk factors that can also affect young men:
Smoking – increases the risk of lung cancer and vascular disease
Unhealthy diet – Promotes obesity, diabetes & high blood pressure
Stress and lack of exercise – have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system
Which examinations should men over 30 undergo?
- Check-up every 3 years (blood values, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney values)
- Skin cancer screening (especially for men with fair skin or sun exposure)
- Testosterone check for symptoms such as tiredness or loss of libido
Early detection as the key to successful treatment
Medical research clearly shows that The earlier a disease is detected, the better the chances of recovery.
Why men should not neglect their health:
- Cancer screening can save lives
- Cardiovascular diseases are preventable
- A healthy lifestyle complements medical care
Special prevention for men with risk factors
Men with certain risk factors should take their preventive healthcare particularly seriously. There are special check-ups that are particularly important for these men in order to detect and treat illnesses at an early stage.
Screening for a family history of the disease: If there is a genetic predisposition, which checks are even more important?
With a a family history for certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or diabetesregular screening tests should be carried out. For example, if a close relative has prostate cancer or breast cancer, men should start the relevant tests earlier than usual.
Which tests are crucial for men with a family history?
- Prostate cancer: Earlier PSA test, possibly also genetic tests
- Cardiovascular diseases: Frequent blood pressure measurements, cholesterol and blood sugar tests
- Early cancer detection: More frequent and earlier colonoscopies and skin examinations
Common genetic diseases and their impact on prevention
Some genetic diseases can significantly increase the risk of certain diseases:
- BRCA gene mutations: This genetic predisposition increases the risk of breast and prostate cancer.
- Hereditary hemochromatosis: This hereditary disease leads to iron overload and can increase the risk of liver disease.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia: A high cholesterol level at a young age can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
It is advisable to seek advice from a specialist doctor to determine which specific tests are useful.
Prevention for men with a high life risk: smokers, overweight people, people with high stress levels
An unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, obesity or chronic stresscan increase the need for frequent health checks. These risk factors affect many important organs and systems in the body, which can lead to serious illness.
Risk factors that increase the need for frequent examinations
- Smoking: Higher risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases
- Overweight: Increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and joint problems
- Stress: Can increase the risk of heart disease, strokes and gastrointestinal disorders
Special preventive measures for men in risk groups
- Lung function test and cancer screening for smokers
- Blood pressure measurements and cholesterol tests for overweight people
- Stress management check and mental health care
Early detection and regular check-ups can help to minimize these risks and detect diseases at an early stage.
The future of men’s pensions: what can we expect?
Men’s healthcare is changing, with new technologies and an increasingly targeted approach to health checks.
Innovative screening tests of the future: new technologies and tests that could soon be available
Artificial intelligence in diagnosis: AI-based systems are increasingly being used in medical imaging to detect tumors and other diseases at an early stage.
Blood tests for the early detection of cancer: Researchers are developing ever more precise tests that can detect cancer cells or cancer markers in the blood.
Wearable health devices: Devices that continuously monitor vital signs could help to detect diseases at an even earlier stage.
Health prevention through personalized medicine: How individual genetic tests could change prevention
Personalized medicine goes one step further: Genetic tests could in future provide more individualized recommendations for preventive examinations and help to implement preventive measures in an even more targeted manner.
Prevention as the key to a long, healthy life
Preventive check-ups are crucial for detecting illnesses early and treating them successfully. The earlier you act, the greater your chances of preventing health problems before they occur.
We offer comprehensive advice and customized check-up plans tailored to your individual needs – taking into account lifestyle, age and other relevant factors. Using the latest technology and sophisticated equipment, we enable the early detection of serious conditions, often years before they manifest themselves.
Our check-up services include:
- Essential: The perfect package for anyone who wants to understand their underlying health. It includes the most important examinations to identify potential risks and get to the heart of your health.
- Exclusive: For men who want to delve deeper into the analysis of their health. This package offers more detailed insights and more comprehensive diagnostics to identify weaknesses at an early stage and take targeted preventive measures.
- Excellence: Our premium package for discerning men who want a complete and precise health analysis. It combines state-of-the-art diagnostic technology with comprehensive examinations to give you long-term peace of mind.
It’s never too early or too late to start screening. We invite you to make an appointment today and find out about the examinations relevant to you that will protect and optimize your health. Rely on our expertise and modern medical equipment to maintain your long-term health.
If you have a partner or loved one in your life who could also benefit from a thorough check-up, we recommend you take a look at our Check-up for women to take a look. You may also find information here that is of interest to your relatives.
