Cancer screening - An important component of men's health

Screening should be a part of everyone’s health care regimen. Men, specially, should not overlook three important screening tests.

“Men who are 50 and older should discuss prostate cancer screening with their physician,” said Dr. Veerpal Singh, who practices Hematology and Oncology at Illinois Cancer Specialists of Foxvalley. Most physicians recommend an annual “PSA” test which is a protein in the blood at age 50, Singh explained.

“If the results are abnormal, the test usually needs to be repeated,” said Singh. “Elevated PSA level will prompt a referral to the urologist for cancer workup” he added. A normal PSA reading doesn’t always rule out cancer, however, which is why doctors also examine the prostate for irregularities in size, shape or texture.

Screening for colon cancer includes checking for blood in the stools by a test called the “fecal occult blood test” at age 50 and over by your physician. Also, a colonoscopy by a specialist is recommended for everyone over 50. However, Singh explained, “If you or your immediate family members have had cancer before 50, you don’t have to wait until you’re 50 to get screened.”

Lung cancer screening is as important, especially among smokers. The American College of Chest Physicians recommends a CT scan for males aged 55-79 with a 30 pack year smoking history who are current smokers or quit within the last 15 years. One pack year equals one pack a day for a year.

“Men over 50 with a 20 pack year smoking history and any additional risk factors should be screened,” he added. A risk factor could be history of cancer, lung disease, family history of lung cancer, radon exposure or occupational exposure.

All three screening tests are covered by Medicare and other insurances.

“I always urge my patients to start an early, age-appropriate cancer screening discussion with their primary physician, depending on different parameters that include age, sex and risk factors.” said Singh.

Illinois Cancer Specialists, 1710 N. Randall Rd., Suite 300, Elgin, IL 60123

847-931-0909

illinoiscancerspecialists.com

Cancer screening - An important component of men"s health