JUST FOR MEN
Men Need Checkups Too!
Men may not want to see a doctor when they feel healthy, but regular checkups are crucial – and can be life-saving.
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Testicular cancer
Cancer of the testicle is the most common
type of cancer in American men ages 29 to
35. The following are considered at-risk
groups, according to the American Cancer
Society (ACS): males ages 15 to 35 (especially
Caucasians), men with a family history of
testicular cancer and those who had an
undescended testicle at birth.Monthly selfexaminations
for lumps are crucial, because
often there are no other symptoms in the
early stages.
If cancer is confirmed by a physician, the affected testicle usually is surgically removed. The remaining healthy testicle, in most cases, can produce sufficient sperm and hormone levels for normal functioning.
Self-examination of testicles
After a hot shower or bath,
when the scrotum is relaxed,
gently grasp a testicle and
slowly roll it between your
thumb and forefinger. Check
for any lumps on the surface of
the testicle. Also check for any
change in size, shape or consistency,
or for increased sensitivity.
Repeat for the other testicle.
If you find a lump or any other
change, consult your physician
as soon as possible.
Enlarged prostate
The prostate gland surrounds
the urethra, the tube
that carries urine from your
bladder out of the body. While
the prostate becomes enlarged in nearly all
men older than 50, for one in every 10 men,
this enlargement constricts the urethra,
making urination difficult. In extreme cases,
the enlargement can block the flow of urine
altogether. African-American men are especially
prone to this condition.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says you should look for these symptoms of prostate enlargement:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty in starting flow of urine
- Decreased force and thickness of urine stream
- Sleeplessness due to need to urinate at night
- Dribbling after the end of urination.
|  All men should consult their doctor to assess their potential risk and discuss an appropriate screening strategy. |
Except for skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among American men. The following are considered at-risk groups: all men older than 50 (especially African-Americans), men with a family history of prostate cancer and those with a high-fat diet, according to the National Cancer Institute.
All men should consult their doctor to assess their potential risk and discuss an appropriate screening strategy. Periodic screenings using a digital rectal exam or a prostate specific antigen test may detect prostate cancer in its early stages.
If prostate cancer is confirmed, surgical removal of the organ is not always necessary. Doctors will determine if the disease is limited to the prostate and recommend further treatment as needed.
Colon and rectal problems
Cancer of the colon or rectum is the
third most common form of cancer among
American men. Several tests are used to screen
for colorectal cancer. They include a digital
rectal exam, a fecal occult blood test (to look
for blood in the stool), sigmoidoscopy (examination
of the lower colon with a thin and
flexible scope), barium enema with air contrast
and colonoscopy (examination of the
entire colon).
The ACS recommends that men ages 50 and older have a yearly fecal occult blood test and a sigmoidoscopy every five years.
For More Information
INTEGRIS Health devotes a week every
fall to men's health, offering screenings,
physician presentations and more.
For more information or to receive a
physician referral, visit us on the Web
at www.INTEGRISmenhealth.com, or call
the HealthLine at
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INTEGRIS Health 3300 N.W. Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 (405) 949-3011 | HealthLine: (888) 951-2277 |
