Cancer screenings by age are an important part of a man’s health care plan. Screenings play a crucial role in detecting cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable.

Cancers which can be detected with screening include:

• Colon and rectal – Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer ranks as the third-most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.
• Lung – Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It’s responsible for about one in five cancer deaths.
• Prostate – About one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.
• Skin – When detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
• Testicular – The average age for men to be diagnosed with testicular cancer is 33.

Some cancers, including prostate, colon and lung cancer, may not have noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular screenings can help detect these cancers before symptoms appear.

Discuss cancer screenings tests with your primary care provider. Together, you both can consider your risk factors, age and overall health. Regular screenings can aid in early detection, timely treatment and improved outcomes.

Cancer Screening by Age

Age 30-44

• Conduct a thorough self-exam monthly of all skin, including under your nails and hair, and report any concerns to your provider. Look for new spots, bleeding sores that won’t heal, rough or scaly red patches, wart-like growths, new moles or moles that change size, shape, color or have an irregular shape.
• Conduct a testicular self-exam monthly. Examine the testicles separately. Check for any hard lumps, nodules or changes in the size, shape or consistency.
• If you have more than one family member who has had prostate cancer before the age 65, talk to your primary care provider to find out if starting prostate cancer screening at age 40 is right for you.

Age 45-49

• Conduct a thorough self-exam monthly of all skin, including under your nails and hair, and report any concerns to your provider. Look for new spots, bleeding sores that won’t heal, rough or scaly red patches, wart-like growths, new moles or moles that change size, shape, color or have an irregular shape.
• Conduct a testicular self-exam monthly. Examine the testicles separately. Check for any hard lumps, nodules or changes in the size, shape or consistency.
• If you are Black or have an immediate family member who has had prostate cancer before the age 65, talk to your primary care provider to find out if prostate cancer screening is right for you.
• Get a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 45. Other colorectal cancer screening options include:
  • Stool-based test every year
  • Stool-based DNA test every three years
  • CT colonography test every five years

Age 50 and older

• Conduct a thorough self-exam monthly of all skin, including under your nails and hair, and report any concerns to your provider. Look new spots, bleeding sores that won’t heal, rough or scaly red patches, wart-like growths, new moles or moles that change size, shape, color or have an irregular shape.

• If you’re a current or former smoker in good health with at least a 20-pack-a-year smoking history, you may qualify for a low-dose lung cancer CT screening. Talk to your provider.
• Talk to your primary care provider to see if a prostate cancer screening is right for you.
• Get a colonoscopy every 10 years. If you’re at average risk for colorectal cancer, you can stop screening at age 75. Other colorectal cancer screening options include:
• Stool-based test every year
• Stool-based DNA test every three years
• CT colonography test every five years

Cancer Risk Factors

Certain factors may put men at higher risk for developing cancer. Knowing your risk factors can help you and your provider create a plan to stay healthy.

• Family history of cancer
• Smoking
• Diet
• Obesity
• Age
• Alcohol consumption
• Use of cancer-causing substances, such as weed killer