What Are Cancer Screenings Men Should Not Ignore?
Learn when to get colon and prostate cancer screenings

Learn when to get colon and prostate cancer screenings
Studies show that men are less likely than women to get regular health screenings. This reluctance can have serious consequences.
Skipping or delaying these routine exams can lead to serious health problems.
Early detection is essential for men’s health, particularly when it comes to prostate and colon cancer — two of the most common cancers affecting men.
“Many cancers affecting men have a significantly better prognosis when caught early. Regular check-ups and being aware of body changes are crucial,” says Ramdev Konijeti, MD, a urologist at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. Urologists treat diseases of the genital and urinary tract, including prostate cancer.
Raising awareness about cancer screenings for men promotes regular check-ups and reduces the risk of delayed care.
“Screening saves lives, it’s as simple as that. Catching cancers early when they’re most treatable can drastically improve survival rates,” says Walter Coyle, MD, head of gastroenterology at Scripps Clinic. Gastroenterologists find and diagnose colon and rectal cancers using procedures like colonoscopy and biopsy.
Here is a simple guide for colorectal and prostate cancer screenings.
How often should men get screened for prostate cancer?
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer.
Prostate cancer screenings can help find the disease early. When found early, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100 percent.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and digital rectal exams are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. If results are abnormal, more diagnostic tests, such as imaging or a prostate biopsy, may be recommended.
If no cancer is detected, future screenings will typically depend on the patient’s PSA test results, age, risk factors and overall health.
Talk to your doctor about when and how to get screened based on your health history.
The American Cancer Society recommends having this discussion at:
- Age 50 for men with normal risk and a life expectancy of 10+ years
- Age 45, for men at high risk, including African Americans and those with a family history of prostate cancer
- At 40, for men at even higher risk, with multiple close relatives who had early-onset prostate cancer
PSA tests are not recommended for men aged 70 and older due to potential risks such as false positives, unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety, which may outweigh the benefits.
The American Cancer Society does not recommend screenings for men without prostate cancer symptoms who have less than a 10-year life expectancy as they are not likely to benefit from it. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force also advises against PSA-based screening for this age group.
How often should men get colorectal screening?
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in both men and women. It is also the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Men are more likely to get it, especially those aged 65 to 74.
Colorectal cancer often begins with small polyps. Early screenings can identify these before they turn cancerous.
“It’s not something most people want to talk about, but by age 45, you should have a conversation with your doctor about colorectal cancer. It’s so preventable, and the risk goes up as you get older,” Dr. Coyle says.
The American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for men who are at average risk. It used to be 50. This change is due to more younger people getting the disease. About 10.5% of new cases occur in people under 50, and this number is increasing.
People in good health who can expect to live more than 10 years should keep getting regular colorectal cancer screenings until age 75.
For people aged 76 to 85, the choice to be screened should depend on their preferences, life expectancy, health, and past screening. Those over 85 should not have colorectal cancer screening anymore.
For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer
If colorectal cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 90%. However, one-third of Americans who should be tested have never been screened.
Which colon cancer screening is best for you?
Different tests can find colorectal cancer. They can be divided into two groups.
Visual exams
Visual exams look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas. They require more preparation and are more invasive than stool tests.
A colonoscopy is done to check for colon cancer. The procedure uses a thin tube with a camera to look at the colon and rectum.
Doctors use special tools during this procedure to take samples or remove suspicious areas. Sedation is needed and the procedure is usually done every 10 years.
“Many may be put off by the preparation required for clinical tests,” Dr. Coyle says. “However, it is a small price to pay for a procedure that can be lifesaving.”
Stool based tests
These tests check the stool or feces for signs of cancer. Stool tests are done at home and are less invasive than colonoscopies. If the result is positive or abnormal, a colonoscopy is needed.
Dr. Coyle emphasizes the importance of early detection. “Screening saves lives, it’s as simple as that. Catching cancers early when they’re most treatable can drastically improve survival rates,” he says.
Other types of cancer
Lung cancer is another major health concern for men. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer and is responsible for the vast majority of cases.
Lung cancer screening is available for high-risk individuals, especially heavy smokers, to detect problems early and improve results.
Testicular cancer is not as common as prostate and colorectal cancer. But it’s actually the most frequently diagnosed cancer in young men. It can be treated successfully if caught early.
Men should also know about skin cancer, bladder cancer, and head and neck cancers, as they are more common in men. Regular self-exams and being aware of the signs and symptoms of these cancers can aid in early detection.