Turning 50? Essential health tests UAE men must take, from prostate to diabetes checks

Reaching 50 is more than just a birthday. As much as we don’t want to admit, it’s a wake-up call to tune into your health. And, as men age, the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer naturally increases, making regular health screenings absolutely vital. This message has been brought into sharper focus recently, following US. President Joe Biden’s announcement about his own prostate cancer diagnosis, sparking conversations about men prioritising screenings, especially for prostate health.

For instance, turning 50 wasn’t so frightening for Dubai-based Matt Hutley, a businessman. He didn’t think there was anything ‘different’ that he had to do, as compared to his forties or even thirties. “I’m healthy. Fit. I work out often. But I never did tests. I never saw the need for them,” he recalls.

And he would calm his wife down, who would always insist on doing tests. “I finally did, and found that I was at the risk of hypertension,” he says. That started worrying him, and he worked harder on his health and fitness, without taking it for granted, just because he ‘seemed’ fine.

So, if you’re wondering what tests to take after the age of 50, experts have some advice.

The essential heath screening to prioritise: Prostate to cardiovascular risks

Any man starting from the age of 40 should perform a very important blood test: It’s a blood test is called as PSA, which is the abbreviation of the prostate specific antigen (PSA). It’s the tumour marker of the prostate gland, explains Amgad Farouk, Consultant Urology, Medcare Hospital Al Safa.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men, especially after 50, and early detection is crucial. In addition to the PSA test, your doctor might recommend a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE),  a quick physical check for any lumps or irregularities in the prostate. While it might make some men uncomfortable, the procedure is fast, and more importantly, it could save your life. Adam Roberts, a Dubai-based resident, recalls how his early diagnosis saved his life. “And if prostate cancer runs in your family, those conversations become even more important.”

Moreover, as Farouk warns:  Prostate cancer has no specific symptoms and the symptoms are very similar to the benign enlargement of the prostate. “That is why the screening test or the PSA blood test is very important in the early diagnosis and to allow the early management of any prostate cancer patient,” he says. “PSA tests should be performed on an annual basis starting from the age of 40 years so that any malignancies can be detected early on and treated,” he says.

Cardiovascular health

The most nightmarish part about heart disease is that it often shows no symptoms till the crisis hits. And, high blood pressure can exist for years without making you feel different.

Regular monitoring is non-negotiable.

Start with:

·         Blood pressure readings (at least once a year)

·         Lipid profile to check cholesterol (LDL, HDL, triglycerides)

·         ECG or stress tests if you’re at high risk or experiencing symptoms

·         Early detection allows for changes in diet, exercise, and possibly medication — all of which can dramatically reduce your long-term risk.

 Colorectal cancer: The lifesaving colonoscopy

As experts explain, the reason why people skip so many of the tests, is because they feel uncomfortable at the thought of it. But think about it, that momentary discomfort can really save your life. And so, get the tests done.”

As he explains, colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, if caught early. That’s where the colonoscopy comes in. Starting at age 50, or earlier if you have a family history, this procedure allows doctors to detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. The early-stage detection boosts survival rates significantly.

Diabetes check: Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c

Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age, particularly if your lifestyle includes a poor diet or limited physical activity, says Singh. Diabetes is influenced by multiple factors and needs to be managed efficiently. It cannot be taken lightly, as Farouk cautions.

A fasting blood glucose test or HbA1c test can offer valuable insight into how your body processes sugar. Detecting elevated levels early gives you a chance to reverse prediabetes or manage diabetes before it leads to long-term complications.

At this stage of life, routine screening becomes critical. Two key tests help doctors assess glucose metabolism:

These tests are not just numbers on a chart, and they offer a window into your metabolic health. Identifying problems early gives you a golden opportunity — the chance to reverse prediabetes through simple lifestyle changes, like improving your diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight.”

Left unchecked, diabetes can silently damage nerves, kidneys, the heart, and eyes. But when caught early, it can be controlled, and even prevented with timely intervention.

Bone health: The DEXA Scan

Beyond blood sugar, bone health is another key area that deserves attention after 50, especially for men who think osteoporosis is just a women’s issue. After 50, men too start losing bone density, especially if they smoke, drink heavily, or have taken steroids. A DEXA scan assesses bone strength and the risk of fractures. If caught early, dietary changes, supplements, or weight-bearing exercises can help protect your skeletal strength.

Lung cancer screening: Low-dose CT for smokers

If you’re a current or former smoker, don’t ignore your lungs. A low-dose CT scan can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. It’s a non-invasive scan that could really be a lifesaver, especially if you have a significant smoking history.

Vision and hearing: Stay sharp

Changes in eyesight and hearing are common with age. But regular eye exams can detect early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, and hearing tests can uncover loss before it affects your daily life. Addressing these early helps maintain your independence, confidence, and even cognitive health.