According to the American Cancer Society, there are four screenings every male over 50 should get to help prevent cancer. Screenings can catch cancer before someone might have symptoms or signs, making the cancer easier to treat. Here are 4 screenings that can help catch cancer early.
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
There are multiple tests that screen for colon and rectal cancer. Some can be taken at home, while others need to be done by your doctor. Colonoscopies are also important for catching cancer. Men over 50 should get tested and any male with a family history of colorectal cancer should be screened earlier. Screening helps find polyps so they can be removed before they turn into colorectal cancer. This is one cancer you can prevent!
- Prostate Cancer PSA Lab Test
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer worldwide. In the United States, 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Associate Program Director of Ochsner Medical Oncology Fellowship Program, Dr Marc Matrana explains that the USPSTF (US Preventative Services Task Force) draft recommendations suggest that clinicians should inform men ages 55 to 69 years of age about the potential benefits and harms of PSA–based screening for prostate cancer. The American Urological Association AUA, American Society of Clinical Oncology ASCO and National Comprehensive Cancer Network NCCN all have some form of recommendation that physicians weigh risks vs benefits of screening on an individual basis (taking into account family history, race, and other risk factors) and then proceed with measuring PSA only after a discussion with the patient. A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that only takes a few minutes. It checks the level of PSA in your blood.
- Lung Cancer CT Scan
Any man ages 55-75 that is currently a smoker or was a heavy smoker should speak with their doctor about if a CT scan is right for them. There are usually no symptoms from lung cancer until after the cancer has advanced. This is why it is important to get screened so it can be caught early.
- Skin Cancer
All men should be familiar with their skin and look out for changes in moles, spots or skin discolorations. It is also important that you wear sunscreen and a hat while working outdoors to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
