Preventative care is a major step in managing your health. When a medical condition is detected early, it can be easier to treat. Regular checkups and screenings can make the difference in men leading a healthy and longer life. Especially when it comes to cancer, early detection of colon cancer and prostate cancer, results in a high success rate.
The Colonoscopy Center of Excellence values your health. Find out which tests you need based on age, health, and risks for other health problems. This checklist serves as a general guideline as to when you should get things such as a colon cancer screening, regular checkups, testicular exams and more. Talk to one of our Los Angeles doctors to see what you can do to maintain and manage your health.
When to Have Your Colonoscopy and 5 Other Health Screenings
1. Colon cancer screenings. It is recommended that colon cancer screenings start at age 50 and continue until age 75 with one of the following screening tests:
- Colonoscopy
- Yearly fecal occult blood testing
If you have risk factors for colon cancer such as a family history, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Other risk factors include a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, the presence of certain polyps, certain cancers or radiation therapy. Talk to one of our expert gastroenterologists in Los Angeles to see which screening test is right for you.
2. Regular checkups. Regular checkups are a good way to keep track of your health. Your doctor can take your blood pressure, listen to your heart, weigh you and take other assessments. This is also a great time to get recommendations from your doctor regarding your diet and exercise regimen.
3. Testicular exams. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends a testicular exam as part of a routine cancer-related office visit. Teens and some adult males, with no symptoms, may not require an exam. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
4. Prostate cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their patients. They also suggest prostate cancer screening for most men starting at age 50 and then yearly for men who do not have major medical problems and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Prostate screening includes both a PSA test and digital rectal exam (DRE). Yearly screening should start at age 45 for men who have a high risk for prostate cancer, including African Americans or men who have two or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer. For certain men who are at very high risk, screening may begin as early as age 40.
5. Cholesterol testing. The National Cholesterol Education Program currently recommends a fasting lipoprotein profile for all adults age 20 and older every five years. This test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Depending on your risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may suggest more frequent testing.
6. Blood pressure. It’s a good idea to have your blood pressure checked at least once every two years. Talk to your doctor if your blood pressure is 120/80 or higher. If you have prehypertension or high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest more frequent screenings, periodic office visits and perhaps regular blood pressure monitoring at home as well.
These are just a few of the screenings men should have regularly. Other screenings that may be important to you can include: dental exams, skin exams, diabetes testing, HIV testing, BMI checks, and aortic aneurysm screenings. So visit and talk to your doctors regarding their recommended health checkups and screenings based on your personal medical and family history.
Why Is A Colon Cancer Screening So Important?
Out of all of the cancers screened for, colon cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the U.S. At the same time, through a simple colonoscopy, colon cancer can be effectively prevented. For men, the most important thing you can do is schedule an appointment with the experienced colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the La Peer Health Systems Colonoscopy Center of Excellence. We provide the most cutting edge colonoscopy and diagnostic tools available.
Schedule a Diagnostic Colonoscopy in Los Angeles
If you are age 50 or older or 40-45 with a family history of colon cancer, talk to one of our trained Los Angeles gastroenterologists about a colonoscopy at the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence. You can call our Los Angeles office at (888) 837-0459 or fill out our online contact form.
Next learn about colon cancer prevention.