Dodging the Doctor? Real Men Get a Checkup for Common Cancers
6/15/2022
Research shows that men are four times less likely to consult a doctor when they experience medical problems. As a result, men are much more likely to need an emergency admission to a hospital with a serious or life-threatening condition which could have been prevented or dealt with at an earlier stage.
In observance of National Men’s Health Week, June 13-19, men are urged to ‘man up’ and visit their doctors to receive a checkup for prostate and colorectal cancer, which most often affect men.
“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancers. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older,” said Dr. Jesus Aguirre-Burgos, a family medicine physician with Primary Care Associates of Laredo.
“Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Some factors that increase colorectal cancer risk include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, smoking and heavy alcohol use, among others,” said Dr. Aguirre Burgos.
Prostate Cancer
Why: The disease is rare before age 50, and, when caught early, is curable. Age is a big risk factor for prostate cancer. More than 70 percent of all men are diagnosed at age 65 or older.
When: A prostate check is usually performed annually, as part of a man’s annual physical, beginning at age 50. Those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45.
Colorectal Cancer
Why: According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in U.S. men and women. But if caught early, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable cancers. A colon screening provides both diagnosis and treatment, since any polyps found are removed and analyzed as part of the exam.
When: All men should have a colorectal exam beginning at age 45. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, screening should begin ten years earlier than the age at which the relative was diagnosed. The frequency of repeat exams depends on individual risk level.
“In general, talk with your health care provider to know more about these cancers and what you can do to help prevent them or find them early. Doing this may help save your life,” said Dr. Aguirre-Burgos.
For more information on any of these tests, contact Laredo Medical Center at (956) 796-3223. To find a primary care doctor, visit https://bit.ly/3xmrwhX.
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