How long ago was your last preventive screening? Been a while? Guys, now’s a great time to check back in on your health. Preventive screenings are used by doctors to check for health conditions before they cause symptoms. Preventive cancer screenings can often find problems early, which can mean better treatment options and higher survival rates. Don’t skip these screenings Which cancer screenings do you need? It depends on your personal risk factors. Talk to your doctor about the screening schedule that’s right for you. These screenings are must-haves for most men at average risk: Prostate cancer screening. A prostatespecific antigen (PSA) blood test is used— often along with a digital rectal exam—to screen for prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends discussing the benefits and risks of PSA testing with your doctor starting at age 50, if you’re at average risk for prostate cancer. Those at higher risk, such as African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, may need to begin screening earlier. Colorectal cancer screening. Several tests exist to screen for cancer of the colon and rectum, including: ● Stool tests. ● Virtual colonoscopy. ● Sigmoidoscopy. ● Colonoscopy. Men at average risk should be screened regularly beginning at age 45. The time between testing may vary based on the test option you choose. Lung cancer screening. Doctors look for lung cancer using an imaging test called low-dose computed tomography. The ACS recommends annual testing if you meet all three of these criteria: ● You’re 50 to 80 years old. ● You currently smoke or stopped smoking within the past 15 years. ● You have a 20-pack-year smoking history. Get to know your body Self-exams, while not usually included as part of routine screening recommendations, can still play a role in preventing cancer. Knowing your body well can help you notice changes that may indicate cancer, even before you have symptoms. Such self-checks include: Skin cancer self-exam. Experts don’t agree on recommendations for regular skin cancer screening, but the ACS encourages men to be familiar with their own skin and check it regularly for changes or new growths. Your doctor may also perform skin exams as part of your routine wellness visits. Any changes you or your doctor find can be examined by a dermatologist. Testicular cancer self-exam. There’s currently no standard screening test for testicular cancer because it’s rare and very treatable. Testicular cancer is diagnosed most often in men ages 20 to 39, and the number of new cases has doubled in the last 40 years. Regular self-exams may help you catch lumps that may be cancerous early. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Other cancer screenings Some men have risk factors that raise their odds of developing other types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about your family history and your risk factors for these cancers. Your doctor can help you decide when to get screened and the type of screenings you need to keep your health on track. Visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com for a full list of contracted providers, or call the phone number on the back of your ID card for assistance. Men’s guide to cancer screenings
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