Health Screening for Men

Cancer Screening

]]>Colorectal Cancer]]> : Starting at age 50, consult your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer. Screening options include:

• ]]>Stool testing for hidden blood]]> – (annually) testing stool samples collected at home
• ]]>Sigmoidoscopy]]> – (once every five years) using a flexible, lighted tube to view the lower colon
• Annual stool testing plus sigmoidoscopy every five years
• ]]>Barium enema]]> with double contrast – (every five years) an x-ray test of the colon
• ]]>Colonoscopy]]> – (every ten years) examining the entire colon with a long, flexible, lighted tube

Men at increased risk for colon cancer may need to begin screening earlier and have it done more frequently. Factors that increase risk include a family history of colon cancer or ]]>polyps]]> , or a personal history of colon cancer, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.

]]>Prostate Cancer]]> : Each year starting at age 50, talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening. Available tests include a blood test called ]]>prostate-specific antigen (PSA)]]> , or a rectal exam to check for lumps in the prostate.

Men at increased risk for prostate cancer may need to begin screening earlier and have it done more frequently. Factors that increase risk include black race and family history of prostate cancer.

]]>Testicular Cancer]]> : Beginning in your teens, learn to do a monthly self-exam. See your provider regularly for a testicular exam and call promptly if you find a lump. This cancer most commonly occurs in men ages 15-40, those with a family history of the disease, or who have a testicle that is out of normal position. Men at increased risk need more frequent screening.

]]>Skin Cancer]]> : Get a total body skin exam by your doctor every three years if you’re between the ages 20-39, or yearly after age 40. It’s also a good idea to learn to examine your own skin monthly for telltale signs of skin cancer.

Heart Disease Screening

Have your ]]>blood pressure checked]]> at least every two years. Your doctor may recommend checking it more often if you’re at increased risk. Risk factors include a family history of high blood pressure, African American race, above-normal weight, or age greater than 50.

Have your ]]>cholesterol checked]]> at least every five years, starting at age 35. Begin at age 20 and have it checked more often if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, ]]>diabetes]]> , high blood pressure, or a family history of ]]>heart disease]]> .

Dental Screening

At least once or twice a year, have a dentist examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your dentist may also recommend periodic x-rays to check for cavities and other problems.

Vision Screening

After age 40, have your eyes checked periodically, especially if you have risk factors for eye disease. These include a personal or family history of eye disease, chronic disease (such as diabetes or high blood pressure), or African-American race. After age 65, it’s especially important to make sure you’re having your eyes examined on a regular basis.

Miscellaneous Tests

• Ask your doctor about a blood test to screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a family history, other risk factors for the disease, or are overweight.
• Talk to your doctor to see whether you should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases, such as ]]>AIDS]]> .

Men of all ages can take advantage of regular preventive care. Doing so may help you live a longer, healthier, and more active life.