Men age 50 and older are most at risk for prostate cancer. It is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting on in six men. The American Cancer Society recommends that you receive either a digital rectal exam (DRE) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test every year starting at age 50. However, you should begin discussing prostate screening with your doctor as early as age 40, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer.
During a DRE, the doctor inserts a finger into your rectum and examines the prostate for any irregularities. A PSA blood test involves an amount of blood drawn from the arm, and the level of PSA is tested. Both tests can easily be performed within the doctor's office and only take a few minutes.
For younger males, testicular cancer is a concern. Testicular cancer most often affects men between the ages of 20 and 39. While the incidence of testicular cancer has risen in recent years, more than 95% of cases can be cured! Most times, the cancer is detected unintentionally or by self-examination. Routine testicular self-examination increases your chances of finding a tumor which often feels like a pea-sized, painless lump.
The best time for you to examine your testicles is during or after a bath or shower, when the skin of the scrotum is relaxed.
Hold your penis out of the way and examine each testicle separately. Hold your testicle between your thumbs and fingers with both hands and roll it gently between your fingers. Look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape or consistency of your testicles.
No comments:
Post a Comment