with no personal or family medical history).
or behavior-related screenings (STIs, lung cancer).
Sad, I know.
Colorectal cancer screening
What is it?
There are actually a few methods of testing for colorectal cancer, each with a different screening recommendation.
What does it feel like?
Theres just so much poop.
This was described as someone is snaking a pipe…only its your rectum.
This feels exactly as it sounds.
For thefecal immunochemical test(FIT), you will collect samples of your own stool.
This is painless, just kind of gross.
When should I get it?
TheAmerican Cancer Society(ACS) recommendsfour screening optionsfor low risk men.
In all cases, if a test is positive, further exam via colonoscopy is required.
Doctors recommend screening beginning at age 50 or age 45 for African Americans.
TheAmerican College of Gastroenterology(ACG) emphasizes that their preferred screening test for polyps and canceris a colonoscopy.
They do not consider in-office digital rectal exams to be a sufficient means of screening for cancer.
Awkward small talk may be involved.
More recently, experts have recognized that theharms of this testing may outweigh the benefits.
Screening is repeated annually or every two years, depending on the results.
Testing for men with a less than 10 year life expectancy is not recommended by ACS.
TheUSPTF recommends against PSA testing for prostate cancer(these guidelines are currently being updated).
It also protects againstother forms of cancer, including cancers of the anus, mouth, and throat.
Penile cancer just seemed like the most eye-catching header to go with here.
There are vaccinesGardasil and Cervarixthat protect against the cancer- and genital wart-causing strains of HPV.
This is a vaccine that prevents cancer.
Man, woman, boy, girlif youre eligible and dont have it, go get it.
Regular screening and early treatment of common medical conditions remains your best bet for reaching (or outliving!)
TheColorectal Cancer Control Programoffers colonoscopies for the underinsured.
If there is no program near you, try reaching out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.
you could also call your local health department for suggestions.
Beyond these, talk to your primary care physician or health care provider.
