Prostate Health Screening | Colon Cancer Screening | Cholesterol Test | Blood Pressure Checks | Blood Glucose Test | Testicular Cancer Check | Bone Density Scan | Eye Examination | Skin Cancer CheckUp | Men's Mental Health Assessment | Conclusion

As men approach their forties, they will start to experience significant changes to their bodies . Though age-related bodily deterioration can start as early as one’s twenties, it’s in the mid-thirties onwards when these changes become undeniable for the majority of people.

Even very fit individuals will experience elevated health risks simply because their bodies are no longer functioning as effectively as they once did.

Men are at an especially high risk of developing health issues in middle age, due to male menopause and increased stresses during this period of their lives. There’s a social element to this as well, as there’s often a greater tendency for men to take risks. 

For that reason, the age of 40 is a watershed age and an important time to reassess and take a proactive approach to health.

Here are a few essential health checkups every man should consider when they reach the age of 40:

1) Prostate Health Screening

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and the risks dramatically accelerate in men over 40. Fortunately, a combination of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam can help physicians accurately detect prostate cancer, even in its early stages.

Discussing regular prostate screenings with your general practitioner (GP) should become a priority shortly before you reach your forties.

2) Colon Cancer Screening

Routine colonoscopies for colon cancer typically begin at age 50. However, if your family has a history of colorectal cancer, screenings may have to begin much sooner. As with other cancers, early detection significantly improves patient outcomes in colon cancer.

3) Cholesterol Test

Cardiovascular illness is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, with about 1 in 3 deaths in the country attributed to heart disease and strokes. Men are especially at risk because of elevated stress partly caused by Singapore’s work culture. 

Once you reach 40, take a cholesterol test (also called a lipid panel) to measure the levels of different types of fats in your blood. This will help you and your doctor determine what’s needed to keep your risk of cardiovascular diseases low.

4) More Frequent Blood Pressure Checks

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it typically presents no symptoms before the effects fully manifest as a stroke or as organ failure. 

After 40, blood pressure can start to rise, so it's important to monitor it regularly—not just during annual health checkups. Neglecting elevated blood pressure can lead to severe health problems such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure.

5) Blood Glucose Test

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common as men age, particularly if they’re obese or lead a sedentary lifestyle. A blood glucose test checks your sugar levels and helps detect early signs of diabetes (prediabetes), which, if left untreated, can lead to multiple complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve problems.

Fortunately, early detection can help physicians make recommendations that can effectively reverse prediabetes for men and lead them towards healthier and more active lives.

6) Testicular Cancer Check

Although testicular cancer is more commonly diagnosed in younger men, it’s still important for men over 40 to perform regular self-examinations and discuss any changes with their GP.

Early detection of testicular cancer tends to result in an exceptionally high survival rate, and vigilance will remain important throughout the rest of your life.

7) Bone Density Scan

Though women tend to be more at risk from osteoporosis, men are also at elevated risk from the disease after 40. When you turn 40, your GP may recommend a bone density scan (DEXA) to measure bone strength and help identify potential osteoporosis.

This health checkup can be critical because maintaining strong bones is key to long-term mobility and independence—both factors in enjoying a good quality of life.

8) Eye Examination

After 40, men are at greater risk for conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Regular eye exams can help you detect early signs of these diseases and address them before they begin to negatively impact your life.

9) Skin Cancer Men's Health Screening

Singapore’s ethnic Chinese community is at a particularly high risk of skin cancer, with cases accelerating in the past decades. For older men who spend a lot of time outdoors, regular skin exams will prove invaluable.

A dermatologist can check for any suspicious moles or skin changes and offer advice on protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

10) Mental Health Assessment

Older men's mental health is often overlooked, particularly in communities with very traditional views of men’s roles in society. Regardless, turning 40 can be a difficult time, and you must direct your attention to mid-life mental health matters before they become uncontrollable.

Check in with a mental health team to help you constructively work through your issues, which will contribute to your holistic health. 

In addition to professional help, there are several strategies you can implement to improve your mental well-being:

• Mindfulness and Moving Meditation: These practices can help reduce stress and anxiety and help you to find inner peace when your mind won't shut up.

• Physical Activity: Sports and mental health go hand in hand. Regular exercise, such as walking, running, or yoga, can boost your mood and energy levels.

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can positively impact your mental health.

• Social Connection: Spending time with loved ones and maintaining strong social relationships can provide emotional support.

• Digital Mindfulness: Limit screen time and prioritize real-life interactions.

• Mental Health Apps: Explore mental health apps to track your mood, practice mindfulness, and access professional support.

By combining these strategies with professional help, you can effectively manage your mental health and improve your overall quality of life.

Men's Proactive Screening Leads to Better Health Outcomes

It’s sometimes remarked that millennials are the “youngest-looking” generation to have hit their forties, and there is an element of truth to this.

It’s with the millennial generation that skincare became routine and a heightened awareness of healthy lifestyle choices. With events like Stoptober promoting the reduction or cessation of heavy alcohol use and smoking, Millennials have embraced a holistic approach to health and beauty.

Still, the march of time remains ever-relentless. As more millennials hit their forties, there needs to be a greater emphasis on regular health checkups to preempt age-related health conditions before they become serious.

Men are statistically more prone to experiencing various mid-age health issues sooner, so they must take action early. With prompt lifestyle adjustments, a man can generally experience better outcomes, not just in terms of living longer but also in his overall life quality.