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Did you know why cancer screening is important for men? Without a doubt, cancer continues to be one of the biggest medical causes of death. Every year, millions are diagnosed, and die from some form of cancer. And while many of these cancers can affect persons of all ages, and sex, some are more common in older men and should be screened for regularly.
The following are cancer screening tests we recommend for men above 40.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a Digital Rectum Examination (DRE)
A PSA test and a digital rectum examination help investigate prostate cancer- one of the most common cancers in men. With the PSA test, a doctor can measure the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) found in the blood, if it’s abnormal. If the result of a PSA test hints at a problem, your doctor might carry out a DRE, or further testing.
Note: Although regular testing for men under 50 has recently fallen out of favour in standard practice, persons with a genetic predisposition, or at higher risk may need to start testing earlier and annually.
Talk to your doctor to determine whether the test is right for you.
Colonoscopy
A Colonoscopy is a procedure that allows for examining a patient’s entire colon using a Colonoscope. It is one way to detect Colon cancer, and Polyps. Another way is with stool tests.
Beginning at age 45 or earlier (depending on a person’s risk), all adults should undergo Colon cancer screening every five, or ten years. The screening involves a Colonoscopy, or stool tests, and the goal is to find and treat these polyps before they become cancerous.
Low-Dose Computed Tomography(LDCT) scan
This test is an X-ray used to screen for Lung Cancer. It allows the doctors to take detailed pictures of your lungs, and check for abnormalities.
Asides from being elderly, you should probably get an LDCT scan annually if you:
- Are a current, or past heavy smoker.
- You have a family history of lung cancer.
- You suffer from lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Breast Ultrasound
Although it’s rare for a man to have breast cancer, it’s not uncommon as men also have breast tissues like women. As such, please also carry out an ultrasound as part of your cancer screening tests. Especially if:
- There’s a family history of breast cancer.
- You have a history of radiation exposure to the chest
- You’ve enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) because of drug, or hormone treatments.
- You take estrogen.
- You are obese, etc
.
Skin Exam for cancer screening
A skin exam involves a visual skin check by a healthcare provider. During the screening, your doctor looks for any unusual changes in skin colour, size, shape, or texture that might be cancerous.
If your doctor suspects anything, they may recommend a biopsy.
Skin cancer screening exams are important because they help catch melanoma, and other skin cancers early when they’re easiest to treat.
How to book these cancer screening tests and more
Please send a Whatsapp message to 2348084295796 to book your screening with us. You may also walk into any of our health centres near you for immediate testing.
Alternatively, If you’d prefer to carry out the test as part of a comprehensive body checkup, click here to decide and pay for the health check package that is right for you.