What men should know about cancer screening?

They feel they are strong, invincible, or impregnable. They only see a doctor when they feel something is serious. If they can still shrug it off, they prefer to play basketball, tennis, or golf and set another day to seek medical treatment or not even visit the doctor at all. Women, on the other hand, are more compliant than men, for they are more used to having a physical check-up. Men also do not like to be diagnosed with a disease or with cancer when they go for a medical check-up.

According to statistics, it shows that one out of two males tends to be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime. The risk of having the disease can be lowered through lifestyle choices and no one is exempt from a cancer diagnosis. Cancer, when detected earlier, can increase survival rates as well as lessen its impact and medical costs.

Colorectal cancer, for example, is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. If detected early, cure rates for the disease remain high, although cure rates fall dramatically as the cancer advances and spreads (metastasize) from its site of origin. Prostate cancer is largely diagnosed in early stages and therefore long-term survival is achieved.

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer can also be significantly improved if the cancer is detected earlier and removed prior to its spread. Given this information, paying a visit to your family physician for a regular screening even for once a year is well worth the trouble and ensures a healthy lifestyle and happy family.

The following are some screening guidelines for men to consider:

• Men who are 50 years or older have different screening options for colorectal cancer, although, colonoscopy is the preferred method. A colonoscopy includes the evaluation of the entire large intestines through lighted camera called colonoscope that is inserted through the rectum. The image of the large intestines is seen on the screen, which will enable the physician to identify any abnormalities. A biopsy or sample tissue may be obtained to determine the existence of cancer or other diseases. Colonoscopy is suggested every 10 years.
• Another option is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year. The two tests can detect small amounts of blood or cellular changes in the stools.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy that can be done every five years can also be an option. This includes the evaluation of the lower part of the intestines. A lighted camera is inserted through the rectum for the physician to examine the area of abnormalities.
• Double-contrast barium enema is another way of screening that can be done every five years. An enema including barium contrast is given before the X-ray is conducted. The barium contrast will allow the physician to visualize the colon on the X-ray and detect any abnormalities.

Who are the men that should undergo screening test?

• Men with a strong family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. These are growths that are not cancerous but are often considered a precursor to cancer.
• Men with first-degree relatives such as parents, sibling, child, or younger than 60, diagnosed with colorectal cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease should undergo screening. Some researchers conducted a study to determine the compliance rate of the first degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer in undergoing colonoscopy. They concluded that only a minority of first relatives undergo a colonoscopy and that informing patients about the potential risk for their relatives will increase participation in the screening.
• Men with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Men with a family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome.

Women play a vital role in encouraging the men to get screened especially if their partners, spouses, father or other family members are not so keen on having an appointment with their family physician for a medical check-up. Being aware of the importance of cancer screening will surely lead to a happy and healthy life for every member of the family. Women should also be instrumental in informing relatives of the potential risk of cancer.