Did you know men were more at risk for these diseases than women?
Getting regular screenings, in consultation with your doctor, is one of the best ways to learn more about inherited risks, how behavior affects risk, and to stay ahead of the disease. Here are three screenings that men should never skip:
Colorectal Cancer Screening
The Facts:
Colorectal cancer is more common in men, specifically due to an increased risk of rectal cancer. Being overweight also raises the likelihood of developing the disease. The US Preventive Services Task Force recently lowered the age to begin screenings from 50 to age 45, since 10.5% of new colorectal cancer cases are in people younger than 50. Additionally, cases among those ages 40-49 went up by about 15% over a 14-year period.
The Guidelines:
- Start low-risk screening at age 45.
- Screening should continue through age 75; people ages 76-85 should decide with their medical provider whether to continue screenings.
Prostate Cancer Screening
The Facts:
Prostate cancer is malignant cancer that can spread to the lymph nodes, bones, and other parts of the body. When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable and curable. Today, fewer men over the age of 70 are getting PSA blood tests, and yet, more men over 75 are dying from prostate cancer than younger men with the disease.
The Guidelines:
- A blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) may be recommended for some higher risk men age 40 and older. Speak with your doctor to discuss if screening is recommended.
- Men who are at average risk and expected to live at least 10 more years should still be getting blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Lung Cancer Screening
The Facts:
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women – but men are at a higher risk than women, and black men are about 15% more likely to develop lung cancer than white men. The low-dose CT scan used for screening can detect 80% of lung cancer early when there is a better chance of cure. Unfortunately, 70% of lung cancers are found late, when the odds of cure drop.
The Guidelines:
- Low-dose CT scanning is recommended as a screening test for lung cancer in people ages 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit in the past 15 years.
Taking care of your health is as easy as one-two-three… Speak with your physician about your risks and what screenings are recommended based on your age, lifestyle, and family history.
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