Just like women, men are also prone to cancers of various types such as prostate, colorectal, lung. However, males are less likely than females to go for routine screening tests. Lack of awareness, busy lifestyles, and fear of diagnosis often deter men from seeking regular medical check-ups. Cancer screening tests for men are designed to identify signs of the disease even before symptoms appear. Knowing which tests to take and when to take can be quite confusing. This blog highlights the important screening tests for men in a detailed manner.
Crucial cancer screening tests for men
Men, who are at high-risk of cancer or in the age group above 40 years, should undergo routine cancer screening tests. Listed below are the important screening tests every male should undergo:
• Prostate cancer screening: Prostate cancer is more common in older men. To detect it during the early stages, the most commonly employed tests are:
i. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In this examination, the rectal area is felt for lumps or anything else that feels abnormal, such as an enlarged prostate.
ii. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This is a blood test which measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance that is produced by the prostate gland but is present at abnormally high levels in males who suffer from prostate cancer.
iii. Prostate Cancer Gene 3 (PCA3) RNA test: This test is used for confirmation if a man’s blood shows high PSA levels but the biopsy of the prostate did not show cancer. For this, a sample of urine is taken after a DRE has been conducted to measure the amount of PCA3 RNA in the urine.
• Colorectal cancer screening: Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are commonly used to detect abnormal polyp growths that may develop into cancer over time. In addition to these procedures, tests such as faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) and immunochemical FOBT are also performed to help identify colorectal cancer.
• Lung cancer screening: This is performed using a low-dose helical CT (Computed Tomography) scan. The screening is typically conducted in men aged 50 to 80 years who have a history of heavy smoking.
Risk factors in men that may require early screening
Men who are at a higher risk of acquiring certain types of cancers should make screening tests a priority. Some of the risk factors associated with cancers in men include:
• Family history of cancer: If you have a close relative (e.g. father, brother) who is suffering from prostate cancer, your chances of getting the same goes higher.
• Smoking and use of alcohol: Lung cancer is triggered by smoking, especially in heavy, chain smokers.
• Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Leading a sedentary lifestyle, devoid of exercises, can increase body weight in due course of time. In general, obese or overweight men are more susceptible to cancer.
• Occupational hazards: Exposure to certain chemicals falls under occupational hazards. These chemicals (e.g. asbestos) bring about changes in DNA which can cause cancer.
Taking charge of your health begins with awareness and timely action. Staying vigilant about early signs exhibited by your body can make a life-saving difference. Regular consultations with your healthcare provider can help create a screening plan, especially tailored to meet your individual needs. After all, early detection not only increases the chances of successful treatment but also reduces treatment cost and complexity.