Men 40 plus

Turning 40 is a symbolic, but also medically important moment in the life of every man. This is the time when it is worth intensifying taking care of your own health and thinking about prevention in a more conscious and systematic way. Many serious diseases, referred to as civilization diseases, develop insidiously, without giving clear symptoms for years. Only regular check-ups allow for their early detection, which is crucial for the effectiveness of treatment.

Spis treści

Why is the age of 40+ a signal to take care of yourself again?

Health statistics for Polish indicate that after the age of 40, the risk of developing chronic diseases increases significantly. This is especially true for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension or atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, as well as cancer. Unfortunately, the data also show that men in Poland live statistically shorter than residents of other European Union countries, and cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors are the main causes of their premature deaths, especially in middle age.

In this context, regular preventive examinations should not be perceived as a burdensome obligation or an unnecessary expense. They are a fundamental investment in your most valuable capital – your own health, a longer future and peace of mind. Early detection of potential health problems dramatically increases the chances of full recovery or effective management of the disease, minimizing its negative consequences for quality of life. Unfortunately, statistics and observations indicate that men often avoid medical appointments and check-ups. Breaking this barrier and taking a proactive approach to your own health is the first and most important step towards better well-being and a longer life.

The most common diseases of men over 40

Middle age is a period when the effects of the current lifestyle accumulate and the natural aging processes begin to affect the functioning of the body. Men over 40 are more likely to develop a number of conditions, which often develop without clear warning signals.

Heart and vascular diseases are the most serious threat, being the main cause of death in men aged 45 and over in Poland. The key problem is hypertension, which is often asymptomatic, gaining the name of the “silent killer”. If left untreated, it leads to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke or kidney failure. Equally dangerous is atherosclerosis, i.e. the process of deposition of fatty plaques in the arteries, which can lead to coronary artery disease. Research shows that only 43% of men in Poland have ever visited a cardiologist. Risk factors for the development of these diseases are primarily an unhealthy diet rich in saturated fats and salt, lack of regular physical activity, smoking, alcohol abuse, overweight and chronic stress.

Cancer is another group of serious threats, the risk of which increases with age. Among men in Poland, the most common and dangerous are:

Prostate (prostate) cancer: It is the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumor in men and the third most common cause of cancer death in this group. The risk of developing the disease clearly increases after the age of 50, but testing the PSA level (prostate-specific antigen) is already recommended as part of the Prevention 40 PLUS program. Unfortunately, prostate cancer often develops slowly and asymptomatically, and symptoms such as problems with urination or lower abdominal pain usually appear at a later stage of the disease.
Lung cancer: Its occurrence is strongly associated with smoking. The state program for the prevention of tobacco-related diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is aimed at, m.in others, smokers aged 40-65.
Colorectal cancer: The risk of developing this cancer also increases with age. Prevention, including fecal occult blood testing (iFOBT) and colonoscopy, is crucial.
Other cancers: Men are also at higher risk of cancer of the bladder, kidneys, stomach, esophagus, liver, mouth and melanoma (skin cancer).

In addition to cancer, the prostate gland can cause other problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common, affecting up to 80% of older men. It consists of non-cancerous enlargement of the gland, which leads to pressure on the urethra and problems with urination (weak stream, frequent pressure on the bladder). Prostate inflammation can also occur.

Type 2 diabetes is another lifestyle disease whose risk increases after the age of 40, often due to overweight, obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. Regular blood glucose testing is the basis for early detection.

Other common health problems for men aged 40+ include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be detected at an early stage through testing. A disease that restricts the airflow through the airways, caused mainly by smoking.
Diseases of the digestive system: Gastric and duodenal ulcers, constipation, inflammatory bowel diseases, hyperacidity. Often associated with stress and poor diet.
Joint problems: Osteoarthritis, resulting from the wear and tear of articular cartilage, manifested by pain and stiffness.
Hormonal changes (andropause): The gradual decline in testosterone levels can affect energy levels, mood, muscle mass, libido, and overall well-being.
Urological problems can be detected by examinations at an early stage. Urinary tract infections, kidney stones (which are more common in men, often due to insufficient hydration).
Erectile dysfunction: They can be the result of stress, but they are also often an early sign of other diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases or diabetes.
Mental Health Issues: Depression, neurosis, chronic stress, which can significantly reduce the quality of life.

It is worth noting that many of these conditions are interrelated. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and joint problems. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease can manifest as erectile dysfunction. Smoking is a major risk factor not only for COPD and lung cancer, but also for heart disease and other cancers. This network of interconnections highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to prevention, including both regular check-ups and lifestyle modification. Addressing a single risk factor, such as quitting smoking, can have benefits in many areas of health.

Prevention 40 PLUS Programme: Free tests for you

One of the key tools supporting the health of men over 40 in Poland is the nationwide Prevention 40 PLUS program. It is an initiative of the Ministry of Health financed by the National Health Fund (NFZ), offering a package of free diagnostic tests. The main objective of the programme is the early detection of lifestyle and metabolic diseases, which pose the greatest threat in this age group, as well as to increase the health awareness of Poles. The program is popular – by the end of 2024, more than 4 million people had benefited from it.

Who can benefit from the program? The program is addressed to all people insured in the National Health Fund who:

They are over 40 years old – there is no upper age limit.
They filled out a qualification questionnaire for the program.
They have not benefited from research under the program in the previous 12 months.

An important advantage of the program is the possibility of using the tests again. If at least 12 months have passed since the previous package of tests, an e-referral for the next package is generated automatically on the Online Patient Account (IKP). There is no need to fill out the survey again. It is possible to use the program up to three times on the same terms (12 months break).

How to get an e-referral for tests? The process of obtaining a referral is simple and does not require a visit to a doctor. Fill out a short questionnaire about your health, risk factors and lifestyle. The survey can be completed in several ways:

Online: Through the Online Patient Account (IKP) (available on the pacjent.gov.pl website) in the “Prevention” > tab “Questionnaires”.
Mobile: Through the mojeIKP application (available for smartphones) in the “Prevention” tab.
In the clinic: In a Primary Health Care (POZ) facility that participates in the program.

After completing the survey, an e-referral to the appropriate survey package is generated automatically, usually within a maximum of two working days, which allows for early detection of changes. The referral is visible on the IKP and in the mojeIKP application.

Although digital access through IKP and mojeIKP is promoted, which is convenient for many people , the option of filling out a questionnaire and getting help at a primary care clinic is an important alternative for people who are less proficient in using a computer or smartphone. There are also helplines available that can help you through the process (e.g., the DOM hotline can help you check the availability of preventive screenings. or the hotlines of specific diagnostic networks). It is important that information about all available paths reaches every authorized person.

Diagnostic test package for men The scope of tests within the package is selected on the basis of the answers given in the questionnaire, but the standard kit for men includes a wide range of laboratory tests:

Peripheral blood count with percentage formula and platelets (assessment of general health, detection of anemia, infection, coagulation disorders).
Total cholesterol OR a control lipid profile (assessment of the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease; includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol – “bad”, HDL cholesterol – “good”, triglycerides).
Blood glucose levels (detection of diabetes and prediabetes).
Liver tests: ALT, AST, GGTP (liver function assessment).
Blood creatinine levels (kidney function assessment).
General urine test (assessment of kidney function, urinary tract function, detection of infections, diabetes).
Blood uric acid levels (gout diagnosis, kidney and heart disease risk assessment).
Fecal occult blood – immunochemical method (iFOBT) (colorectal cancer screening).
PSA – total prostate-specific antigen (screening marker for prostate cancer).

Diagnostic test package common In addition, during a visit to the facility carrying out the tests, the following measurements are taken:

Blood pressure measurement.
Measurement of body weight and height.
Waist circumference measurement.
Body mass index (BMI) calculation.
Some facilities also assess the rhythm of the heart.

Implementation of tests and deadlines The tests can be performed in one of the many medical facilities (collection points, primary care clinics) throughout Poland that have signed an agreement with the National Health Fund for the implementation of the program to enable early detection of diseases. The list of facilities can be found online, e.g. on the websites of the National Health Fund, pacjent.gov.pl or dedicated portals. You can also select a facility at the stage of generating a referral to IKP. You should make an appointment for the test by contacting the selected facility directly or through IKP/mojeIKP. You need to take your ID card with you to the appointment.

The Prevention 40 PLUS program was created to help in early detection of diseases in young men. extended and, according to most available information, lasts until April 30, 2025. It is worth taking advantage of this opportunity while it is available.

It should be remembered that the Prevention 40 PLUS program offers an important, but nevertheless basic set of screening tests. The results obtained by the programme provide a valuable starting point for assessing health, but may require further, more targeted diagnosis. After receiving the results, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will interpret them in the context of the patient’s individual situation and decide on possible further steps. The programme therefore acts as an important screening tool that can initiate a personalised diagnostic and therapeutic pathway.

What other tests are worth considering?

The Prevention 40 PLUS program is an excellent starting point to take care of your health, but it does not exhaust all the diagnostic needs of a man over forty. There are a number of other tests that are worth considering, especially if you have specific symptoms, risk factors, or a family history of illness. A prevention plan should always be tailored to individual needs, preferably in consultation with a doctor.

Cardiac check-up: Since cardiovascular disease is a major threat , it is worth considering:

ECG (Electrocardiogram): A non-invasive test to assess the electrical activity of the heart. Recommended after the age of 40, especially in people with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, family history). The frequency of the examination is determined by the doctor.
Regular blood pressure measurement: Essential for early detection of hypertension. The measurement as part of Prevention 40 PLUS is important, but it is recommended to check at least once a year, and people with already diagnosed hypertension should monitor it much more often, according to the doctor’s recommendations.

A visit to a urologist: A male genitourinary specialist may recommend:

Rectal examination of the prostate (with a finger through the anus): It allows the doctor to assess the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate gland. Recommended regularly after the age of 40 or 50, and the frequency of check-ups depends on the results and individual risk.
Urinary tract ultrasound: Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder is recommended once a year after the age of 60, but it may be indicated earlier in the case of ailments (e.g. problems with urination, pain in the lumbar region).
Testicular ultrasound: Imaging of the scrotum, testicles and epididymis to detect tumors, cysts or inflammation. Recommended prophylactically about every 3 years or immediately if alarming changes are detected during self-examination.
Symptom consultation: A visit to a urologist is necessary in the event of symptoms such as: pain or burning when urinating, change in urine color, pollakiuria, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, testicular pain, enlarged testicle, erection problems.

Colorectal cancer prevention: In addition to the iFOBT test available in the 40 PLUS program, preventive examinations in men are crucial.

Colonoscopy: Endoscopic examination of the entire large intestine, considered the “gold standard” in the detection of polyps and early cancerous lesions. In Poland, there is a screening program financed by the National Health Fund, aimed at people aged 50-65 (or 40-49 if there is a family history of colorectal cancer), offering free colonoscopy every 10 years. Your doctor may recommend a test earlier or more often depending on your individual risk.
Other screening methods: Flexible sigmoidoscopy (examination of the final section of the large intestine) or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) can be alternatives in some situations.

Sensory protection: With age, the risk of vision and hearing problems increases:

Eye examination at the ophthalmologist: Recommended every 2-3 years, and in the case of existing vision defects or eye diseases – every year or according to the specialist’s recommendations. The examination includes the assessment of visual acuity, examination of the eye fundus and measurement of intraocular pressure (glaucoma prevention). It can detect cataracts, macular degeneration (AMD) and other diseases.
Hearing test: It is worth doing it every 3-5 years, especially if there is a noticeable deterioration in hearing or tinnitus.

Skin Health:

Mole control at the dermatologist: Regular dermoscopic examination of all pigmented moles is crucial for early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers. It is recommended to visit once a year, and in people from the high-risk group (numerous moles, fair complexion, cases of melanoma in the family) – even every 6 months.

Testicular self-examination: It is a simple but extremely important method of early detection of testicular cancer, which every man should do regularly, once a month. During the self-examination, you should pay attention to any abnormalities, such as nodules, hardening, changes in the size or shape of the testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum or unusual pain. If any changes are detected, an urgent consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Other potentially important tests that can help detect diseases are digestive tests. Depending on your individual health situation, your doctor may also recommend:

Thyroid hormone tests (TSH, possibly FT3, FT4): Especially with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, weight changes unrelated to diet, mood swings, feeling cold or hot. In the case of abnormalities, check-ups are recommended every 1-2 years.
Determination of vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels: Deficiencies are very common in the Polish population and can contribute to bone problems (osteoporosis), weakened immunity and even deterioration of mood.
Testosterone level determination: It may be indicated for symptoms suggestive of andropause (decrease in libido, energy, muscle mass).
Spirometry: A test to assess lung function, especially important for smokers (current and former) and people with respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath), for COPD.
Gastroscopy: Endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), recommended for persistent ailments such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, swallowing problems.

Commercial Packages: Many private laboratories offer special “Male 40+” test packages, which often cover a wider range of parameters than the National Health Fund program, e.g. additional electrolytes (sodium, potassium), magnesium, iron, ferritin (iron reserve), vitamin D, TSH, testosterone, and sometimes D-dimers (thrombosis risk assessment) or other markers. The cost of such packages usually ranges from several hundred zlotys. They can be a good complement to prevention, but their scope should be consulted with a doctor.

Selected Recommended Preventive Examinations for Men 40+ (Outside the 40 PLUS Programme) include basic health examinations.

Survey	Recommended Frequency (indicative)	Aim of the study	Comments
ECG (Electrocardiogram)	Depending on the risk and the doctor’s recommendations (e.g. every 1-3 years)	Assessment of heart rhythm and function, detection of ischemia, arrhythmia	Especially important for risk factors for heart disease. It can be ordered by a primary care physician or a cardiologist (NFZ).
Blood pressure measurement	At least once a year (more often in case of hypertension)	Early detection of hypertension	You can measure yourself at home, but regular medical check-ups are important.
Urological examination (per rectum)	Depending on the doctor’s recommendations (e.g. every 1-2 years after the age of 50)	Assessment of the prostate gland (prostate) is one of the basic tests that should be performed.	Performed by a urologist or primary care physician. Earlier/more often with symptoms or family risk of prostate cancer.
Testicular ultrasound	Approximately every 3 years or as recommended by your doctor	Detection of tumors, cysts, inflammation within the scrotum	Necessary urgently when detecting changes in self-examination. It can be ordered by a urologist or a primary care physician (NFZ).
Colonoscopy	Every 10 years (age 50-65, or 40-49 with family risk)	Detection of polyps and colorectal cancer is important in the context of preventive examinations in men.	Available as part of the National Health Fund screening program, preventive examinations for men are crucial. More often with medical indications.
Eye examination (ophthalmologist)	Every 2-3 years (more often in the case of eye defects/diseases)	Assessment of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus (glaucoma, cataracts)	A visit reimbursed by the National Health Fund with a referral from a primary care physician allows for preventive examinations.
Hearing test	Every 3-5 years or with hearing impairment	Early detection of hearing loss	It can be performed by an ENT specialist or at hearing care centres.
Mole control (dermatologist)	Once a year (every 6 months at high risk)	Early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers	The visit is reimbursed by the National Health Fund with a referral from a primary care physician.
Testicular self-examination	Once a month	Early detection of testicular cancer	A key method of individual prevention.
TSH (thyroid hormone)	Every 1-2 years for abnormalities or symptoms	Assessment of thyroid function	The test can be ordered by a primary care physician (NFZ).

Remember that universal recommendations, such as the 40 PLUS program, are an important basis, but optimal prevention is always personalized. Family history of diseases (e.g. colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative, prostate cancer), individual lifestyle (e.g. smoking ), the presence of other chronic diseases or the occurrence of specific symptoms – all this should be taken into account when planning follow-up examinations in cooperation with the attending physician.

Study Preparation: Simple Steps to Reliable Results

In order for the results of laboratory tests to be as reliable as possible and reflect the actual state of health, it is crucial to properly prepare for the collection of material (blood, urine, faeces). Failure to adhere can lead to falsified results, which in turn can result in unnecessary stress, the need to repeat tests or even misdiagnosis.

General recommendations before blood tests:

Time of day: Most blood tests are recommended to be done in the morning.
On an empty stomach: It is crucial for many tests (complete blood count, glucose, lipidogram, liver tests, creatinine, uric acid, iron, TSH). This means refraining from food and drink (other than water) for at least 8-12 hours before taking blood. The last meal should be easily digestible, eaten in the evening of the previous day.
Hydration: Drinking a small amount of still water before the test is allowed and even recommended, as it facilitates blood collection. Coffee, tea, juices, and other sweetened beverages should be avoided.
Stimulants: You should refrain from drinking alcohol for 2-3 days before the test. Immediately before the blood test, you should not smoke.
Physical activity: On the day before the test, it is recommended to avoid intense physical exertion.
Rest: It is worth coming to the examination rested and as relaxed as possible. Stress can affect some parameters.
Medicines and supplements: Inform the blood collection staff about all medications and dietary supplements you are taking on a regular basis. Usually, you should take your morning medication after your blood is taken, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If in doubt, consult a doctor.

Specific preparation for other tests:

A general urine test is one of the basic tests that are worth doing. A urine sample should be taken into a special, sterile container (available at the pharmacy). Ideally, it should be the first morning urine, taken from the middle stream (return the first portion of urine to the toilet, then fill the container, and return the final portion to the toilet). The container should be carefully capped, labeled and brought to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Occult Blood Stool Test (iFOBT): A small sample of stool is taken using a special collection kit according to the instructions provided by the laboratory. The immunochemical method (iFOBT), used in the 40 PLUS program, does not require a special diet before the test.
PSA level test: To avoid artificially inflating the result, it is recommended to refrain from ejaculation (ejaculation of semen), intense physical exercise involving the perineal muscles (e.g. cycling) and rectal examination 2-3 days before blood sampling.

Necessary documents: When going for examinations, especially as part of the Prevention 40 PLUS program, you should always have your ID card with you to verify your identity. The e-referral generated in the system is visible to the facility, but it is worth knowing its number or access code in case of technical problems.

Following these simple rules of preparation is extremely important. Many biochemical parameters, such as glucose, lipid or liver enzyme levels (e.g. GGTP), are sensitive to recent food or alcohol consumption. Improper preparation can disrupt their blood levels, making the result not reflect the body’s baseline metabolic state. This can lead to false positive results, suggesting a disease that does not actually exist, which generates unnecessary anxiety and may result in further, not necessarily justified, diagnosis. Therefore, careful preparation is the key to obtaining reliable information about your health.

Results in hand – what’s next? Medical consultation and action plan

Receiving the results of preventive examinations is an important moment, but only the beginning of the process of taking care of your health. Knowing the numbers and indicators alone is not enough – the key is to interpret them correctly and take appropriate action through research.

Access to test results for men is crucial for the assessment of cardiovascular risk with calculation. The results of tests performed as part of the Prevention 40 PLUS program are usually available on the Online Patient Account (IKP) and in the mojeIKP application. They can also be picked up in person at the facility where the tests were carried out. The results of commercially performed tests are also often made available online by laboratories.

Necessary medical consultation: It is absolutely crucial not to interpret the results on your own. Even if they are within the given laboratory standards, they should be consulted with a family doctor (primary care physician). A physician is a person competent to evaluate the results in a broader context:

Individual health history of the patient: It takes into account past illnesses, chronic diseases, medications taken.
You can check your current symptoms during a visit to your doctor. It links the test results to possible ailments reported by the patient.
Risk factors: It takes into account age, gender, lifestyle, and family history of diseases.
Laboratory Standards: Can interpret the results in relation to the standards applicable in a given laboratory (they may differ slightly).

A primary care physician plays the role of a central point in the health care system. It is he, as the “navigator”, who can assess whether possible deviations from the norm are clinically significant. A single out-of-normal result does not always indicate disease, but may require further observation or diagnosis. Without a medical consultation, there is a risk of ignoring an important warning signal, worrying unnecessarily or taking the wrong action on your own.

What if the results are abnormal? If any of the test results deviate from the norm or cause concern for the doctor, he may take various steps :

Repeat fasting glucose testing is recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment to verify the result.
Refer the patient for male examinations. further, more detailed diagnostics (e.g. additional blood tests, ultrasound, ECG, colonoscopy).
Refer the patient to a specialist physician (e.g. cardiologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist) in order to deepen the diagnosis and determine treatment.
Implement appropriate pharmacological treatment.
Recommend specific lifestyle changes (e.g. diet modification, increased physical activity, quitting smoking).

Monitoring and regularity: Even if all the results of preventive examinations are normal, it does not mean that you can forget about prevention. It is a continuous process. Regular check-ups should be continued according to your doctor’s instructions and preventive examination calendar. Maintaining good results also requires consistent care for a healthy lifestyle and preventive examinations in men.

The future of prevention in Poland: It is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Health plans to introduce a new prevention program called “My Health” from May 1, 2025, men should check whether they have preventive examinations planned. It is to replace the Prevention 40 PLUS programme and cover wider age groups, offering periodic (every 3-5 years, depending on age) health checks combined with preventive examinations. This demonstrates the growing importance of prevention in the healthcare system.

Your lifestyle matters: How do you support your health on a daily basis?

Preventive examinations are an extremely important element of taking care of health, allowing for early detection of potential problems. However, diagnostics alone is not everything. Daily habits and lifestyle have a fundamental impact on the risk of developing many diseases that most often affect men over 40. Research and a healthy lifestyle work synergistically – they complement each other and enhance each other’s positive effects. Test results (e.g. increased cholesterol, glucose or blood pressure levels) can be a strong motivation to make changes, and these changes (e.g. diet modification, increased activity) directly improve health parameters, which in turn is confirmed by subsequent follow-up examinations.

Here are the key lifestyle areas to pay special attention to:

Healthy diet: Proper nutrition is essential. It is recommended to limit the consumption of saturated fats (found mainly in fatty meats, cold cuts, full-fat dairy products) and trans fats (present in many processed products, sweets, fast food). Simple sugars (sweets, sweetened drinks) and excessive salt intake should also be limited. The diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, wholegrain cereal products (wholemeal bread, coarse groats, brown rice), legumes and fish (especially sea, rich in omega-3 acids). Free nutrition plans available on the NFZ Diets portal can be helpful.
Physical activity: Regular exercise is essential for heart health, maintaining a healthy body weight, well-being and fitness. At least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (e.g. brisk walking, cycling, swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity is recommended. It is important to avoid prolonged sitting and incorporate movement into your daily routine.
Maintaining a healthy body weight: Being overweight and obese are significant risk factors for many diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers, and joint problems. Regular weight and BMI control (which is measured as part of Prevention 40 PLUS) helps to monitor the situation and react to adverse changes.
Quitting smoking: Smoking is one of the most dangerous health risk factors. It is responsible for the majority of lung cancer and COPD, and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and many other cancers. Quitting smoking has health benefits at any age. There are support programs available for people who want to quit smoking, including a program for the prevention of tobacco-related diseases financed by the National Health Fund.
Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol abuse has a negative impact on the liver, heart, nervous system and increases the risk of developing certain cancers. It is recommended to drink alcohol in moderate amounts or complete abstinence.
The right amount and quality of sleep: Sleep is crucial for the body’s regeneration, the proper functioning of the immune system and maintaining hormonal balance. Adults should sleep about 7-8 hours a night.
Coping with stress: Chronic stress negatively affects the entire body, increasing the risk of heart disease, digestive problems, and mood disorders. It is important to find healthy ways to relax and reduce tension, such as physical activity, hobbies, relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing), or spending time with loved ones.

Making positive lifestyle changes, even small but consistent, can significantly improve health, well-being and quality of life, as well as increase the effectiveness of research-based prevention.

Summary

Turning forty is the perfect time to take a new look at your health and take conscious preventive measures. As this guide shows, there are many opportunities to take care of yourself and minimize the risk of serious illnesses that become more common at this age.

The key steps you should take are:

Taking advantage of the Prevention 40 PLUS program: This is a free and easily accessible package of tests, which is an excellent first step to assessing your health. Remember that the program lasts until the end of April 2025.
Consider additional testing: Depending on individual needs and risk factors, it is worth consulting a doctor about performing other tests, such as ECG, visit to a urologist, colonoscopy or mole control.
Consultation of the results with a doctor allows for early detection of changes. No test makes sense without the correct interpretation of the results, which can help detect malignant tumors in Poland. Your GP will help you understand the results and plan any follow-up.
Taking care of a healthy lifestyle: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding stimulants and taking care of rest are the foundations of good health at every stage of life.

Health is the most valuable resource we have. Regular preventive examinations and attention to daily habits are not only an expression of self-care, but also responsibility for one’s loved ones. It is not worth postponing prevention for later, hoping that “it does not concern me”. Early detection of many diseases gives a real chance for a long and active life. By taking proactive steps today, we are investing in our future so that we can enjoy life to its fullest for longer.

Men 40 plus: Key preventive examinations