Cancer can take years to develop. Screening is a way to monitor your body for cancer before you have symptoms. When cancer is found earlier, it's easier to treat. Some cancer screenings, like colonoscopies, even help prevent cancer.
However, approximately 65% of men in the United States say they have not gotten all their recommended cancer screenings. To keep yourself as healthy as possible, stay on track with screening and prevention.
What cancer screenings do men need?
Doctors can’t screen for every type of cancer. The screenings that are available have been tested for safety and to make sure they work well.
Recommended cancer screenings for men include:
Colorectal cancer screening
Colorectal cancer develops from abnormal growths (polyps) in your colon or rectum. Screening tests find polyps so your doctor can remove them before they turn into cancer. If cancer is already growing, screening tests can find it early — before you have symptoms — when treatment works best.
Who should get screened: Men ages 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. There are several screening options available. Stool (poop) tests are performed at home. Procedures — such as a colonoscopy — allow a doctor to look in your rectum and find and remove polyps.
Your doctor may recommend starting screening earlier than 45 if you are at higher risk for colorectal cancer. Factors that increase your risk include having:
- Certain conditions related to colorectal cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
If you aren’t sure whether you are considered high-risk or not, talk to your doctor. They can discuss your health history and any symptoms you’re having to figure out when and how often you should get screened.
Lung cancer screening
Anyone can get lung cancer, but people with a history of smoking are at higher risk. Doctors look for lung cancer with a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which takes pictures of your lungs.
Who should get screened: Experts recommend yearly screening for men who meet all these guidelines:
- Age 50 to 80 years old
- Smoke now or used to smoke
- Have at least a 20 "pack-year" history
A pack-year equals 1 pack (20 cigarettes) per day for a year. So, if you smoke 1 pack per day, 20 years of smoking equals 20 pack-years. However, if you smoke 2 packs per day, you'll reach 20 pack-years after just 10 years of smoking.
Prostate cancer screening
Doctors screen for prostate cancer using a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a substance made by your prostate, and cancer can cause higher levels of PSA. Your doctor may also use a digital rectal exam (inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to check the prostate) to screen for cancer.
Doctors screen for prostate cancer using a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a substance made by your prostate, and cancer can cause higher levels of PSA. Your doctor may also use a digital rectal exam (inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to check the prostate) to screen for cancer.
Who should get screened: Most men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50. Your doctor may recommend getting screened in your 40s if you:
- Are Black/African American
- Have a close relative with prostate cancer
Get a PSA test every 2 to 4 years until you are 70. After that, your doctor will look at your risk factors, previous PSA levels and current health to decide whether you need more screening.
Other ways to detect cancer early
Not all cancer types have recommended screenings. However, understanding your risk and examining your body regularly may help prevent cancer. It also makes it easier to diagnose cancer early.
Other types of cancer to check for include:
- Breast cancer: Breast cancer in men is rare but can happen, especially if a family member has had it. If you have several family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk and screening options.
- Oral cancer: Cancers of the mouth are more common in men than women. Visit your dentist twice a year and ask for an oral cancer exam to identify the signs of oral cancer early.
- Skin cancer: Men are more likely than women to develop melanoma — the most dangerous type of skin cancer — by age 50. Examine your skin regularly and talk to your doctor about any new, changing or suspicious spots.
- Testicular cancer: Ask your doctor to examine your testicles during your annual checkup. Between checkups, perform self-exams and report any changes to your doctor.
Tips for reducing your cancer risk
Living a healthy lifestyle also helps lower your risk of cancer. You may be able to reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices:
- Drink less alcohol: Alcohol raises your risk for several types of cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight and obesity are associated with nearly 40% of all cancers.
- Protect your skin: Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. Wearing sunscreen every day is an easy way to lower skin cancer risk.
- Quit smoking: Cigarettes are associated with up to 90% of lung cancer deaths, and tobacco can cause cancer anywhere in the body.
If you need help making lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight, talk to your doctor. They can provide you with support and resources to live a healthy life.
Contact us
Talk to a doctor about your cancer risk or schedule a cancer screening. Find a doctor at MLK Community Healthcare or call 424-529-6755 today to make an appointment.