Colorectal Cancer Screening—There are four tests typically performed to screen for polyps in your colon and rectum, which may become cancerous.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)—This simple test chemically checks your stool for blood that may not be visible under a microscope. A fecal sample is smeared onto a card and sent to a medical laboratory to be evaluated for the presence of blood. This test should occur yearly.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy—A thin, flexible tube is inserted into your rectum and used to look at the lower portion of the colon. More awkward than uncomfortable, this exam takes about 15 minutes and should be done every five years.
- Colon X-ray—Sometimes coupled with the sigmoidoscopy, this test involves inserting liquid barium into your colon, which appears white on an X-ray. The barium outlines the inside of your colon to allow your doctor to see anything unusual. This test takes about 20 minutes to complete and should be repeated every five years.
- Colonoscopy—You doctor inserts a thin, flexible colonoscope into your rectum to examine the entire length of your colon. Some patients find this procedure uncomfortable, so your doctor may sedate you a little during the 30-minute procedure, which should occur every 10 years.
According to the ACS, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 50, unless you have a family history of colorectal cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease. If you are at higher risk, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.
Prostate Cancer Screening—A digital rectal exam (DRE) is used to detect an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. While an enlarged prostate is fairly common and generally harmless, it may indicate a more serious condition. During the DRE, your doctor will check the prostate gland for any abnormalities. The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein secreted by the prostate. If this amount is elevated, it may indicate an enlarged prostate or cancer. However, the accuracy of the PSA test is still unclear and some organizations do not recommend routine screenings. However, the ACS recommends that these screenings begin at age 50, but earlier in African American men and others who are at higher risk for prostate cancer.
Caring All of Your Parts
On top of these exams, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an eye exam for men once after the age of 20, every two to four years after the age of 40 and once or twice a year after the age of 65. This examination should include a general eye exam to determine if you need glasses or if your prescription is accurate and tests for common eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts.
And don't forget about your teeth. Regular dental visits will prevent cavities and keep your chompers clean. Evidence is mounting that shows how good oral hygiene can help lower risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease. Additionally, dentists can detect oral cancer.
Going to the doctor for all of these tests can seem like a pain, especially if you are feeling well. But if you are proactive about your health, many of the most common diseases can be caught early, preventing the need for even more visits to your doctor.
