Cancer Screening Tests That Men Should Get

Cancer Screening Tests That Men Should Get

Even if you've put off going to the doctor for your annual checkup, don't wait to get a screening test for the most common cancers that affect men -- colorectal, prostate, lung, and skin. They're easier to treat when you catch them early.

Colorectal Cancer

Your doctor may recommend one of these tests, or a combo:

Colonoscopy. Your doctor puts a flexible tube with a tiny camera into your rear end so he can see the inside of your colon and rectum -- two important parts of your digestive system. A day or so before the test, you'll have to go on a clear-liquid diet and drink a laxative.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes. You won't be awake while it's going on because of medicine you get called anesthesia. Your doctor will usually remove any polyps -- small lumps that can sometimes grow into cancer.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy. It's like a colonoscopy, but it only allows your doctor to see part of your colon. You don't have to do as much prep, and you usually won't need anesthesia. The test takes about 20 minutes.

High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT). It checks for small amounts of blood in your bowel movements. Cancers in the colon and rectum can sometimes bleed.

For this test, you'll collect a small amount of your poop with a kit, and then bring it to your doctor. You might have to avoid certain foods and medicines in the days beforehand.

Who should get tested. You should get one of these if you're a man between 50 and 75 years old. You might need to start even earlier if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer.

If you're between 75 and 86, ask your doctor about your risks and whether you still need to get one of the exams.

How often you should get tested. That depends on which one you get. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) -- a panel of medical experts -- recommends one of these timelines:

• Colonoscopy once every 10 years
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, plus FOBT every 3 years
• FOBT every year

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