1. Blood pressure
Why have the test? One in four middle-aged people in the UK has high blood pressure. Left untreated it can lead to heart disease, strokes and kidney disease.
Warning signs: The only way of knowing you have it is to get checked – especially important if you have a family history of heart disease.
The test: Using an arm pump, your GP measures two numbers. The top one is the systolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries when your heart contracts. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, the pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between beats. A reading of 140/90 mmHg or above is considered high.
2. Prostate cancer
Why have the test? Prostate cancer is the most commonly found cancer in men, with 35,000 new cases each year. Men over 50 should be checked regularly.
Warning signs: Difficulty passing urine or needing to go more frequently and pain in the back or hips. Impotence can be caused by prostate cancer that's spread.
The test: Your GP performs a simple rectal examination plus a PSA blood test for raised levels of prostate hormones.
"There are pros and cons to having the PSA test," says Dr Sarah Cant from The Prostate Cancer Charity.
"Although for some men the test leads to an aggressive cancer being detected early, for others it may mean unnecessary treatment for a cancer that will never harm them.
"Your GP should explain this before you have the test."
See www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
3. Testicular cancer
Why have the test? Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men under 35, with 2,000 cases diagnosed yearly. It's also one of the most easily cured if caught early.
Warning signs: Any swelling or pea-sized hard lumps on the testicles or a dull ache or sharp pain in this area. Check yourself regularly, especially if you suffered from an undescended testicle or have a family history of this cancer.
The test: If your doctor thinks the lump's cause for concern you'll be sent for a painless ultrasound of both testicles and maybe a blood test to identify raised levels of certain hormones that can indicate cancer.
4. Diabetes
Why have the test? Up to a million men may have type 2 diabetes without realising it. If the condition is undiagnosed or not managed effectively it can lead to devastating complications, like heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, blindness and amputation.
"Men should get tested if they have any risk factors," says Libby Dowling from the charity Diabetes UK.
"This includes being overweight, having a large waist, being over 40 and having a close relative with diabetes."
Warning signs: Increased thirst, passing large amounts of urine, tiredness and weight loss. But sometimes there are no symptoms.
The test: Your GP can perform a simple blood test to measure the level of glucose in the blood. A high level often indicates diabetes.
5. High cholesterol
Why have the test? High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease – it leads to hardening of the arteries.
Warning signs: There are no symptoms, but if you eat a diet high in saturated fat, are overweight or have a family history of heart disease, get yours checked.
The test: Your GP can take a blood sample to measure your cholesterol levels. These days, doctors look for the ratio of 'good' (HDL) cholesterol to 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol. Ideally, bad cholesterol should be no more than three and good should be above one.
6. Skin cancer
Why have the test? The number of men dying from skin cancer has doubled in 30 years. Even though more women are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, this deadliest of skin cancers actually kills more men because they tend to seek help later.
Warning signs: Changes in size and colour of any moles, irregular edges or colour variation, itching or bleeding.
The test: See your GP, who may take a biopsy to rule out cancer, or visit a private clinic, like www.themoleclinic.co.uk
7. Waist size
Why have the test? Waist size is now believed to be a more accurate measure of health risk than weight or BMI. Carrying too much fat around your middle increases your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Warning signs: Clothes starting to pinch.The test: Simply measure around your waistline – the point between your lowest rib and your hip bones. Anything above 94cm (37inches) for men is too high. See your GP for advice
8. Chlamydia
Why have the test? It's the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UK. Left untreated, it can pass to your partner and damage her fertility.
Warning signs: Burning sensation when you pee or a discharge, but the condition is often symptomless.
The test: If you've had unprotected sex and never had a chlamydia test, visit your GP or sexual health clinic where testing can be done anonymously.
See www.fpa.org.uk
9. Glaucoma
Why have the test? Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye. It is more common in men and if left untreated can lead to blindness. If you're over 40, suffer from diabetes, migraines, are very short sighted or have glaucoma in the family, you're at higher risk.
Warning symptoms: Pressure build up is slow and visual loss gradual, so people often don't notice until they have severe sight difficulties.
The test: Your optician will examine you and measure eye pressure using a special machine It takes just minutes.
10. Bowel cancer
Why have the test? The UK's second biggest cancer killer can be cured with early diagnosis.
Warning symptoms: Bleeding from the bottom, persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), feeling your bowel's not completely empty, a lump or pain in the stomach and unexplained weight loss.
The test: Visit your GP immediately. They'll do a rectal test (a quick, internal check with a gloved finger) and decide if further tests are needed.
Take part in NHS bowel cancer screening for men over 60 when offered. You simply provide a stool sample, which is tested for hidden blood.
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