Health Nuggets: June is National Men’s Health Month

Screening procedures save lives. The completion of the recommended procedures at the prescribed intervals are essential parts of overall health.

To begin the process, schedule a physical with your provider. They are familiar with your health history and your family’s health history. Simply having tests without a comprehensive history and physical leaves open the door for missing something or can lead to misdiagnosis.

Almost all prostate cancers start when cells in the gland grow out of control.

Most prostate cancer does not have any symptoms.

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Your provider may recommend a digital prostate exam to determine if the gland feels normal to touch or if there are areas that have nodules.

Prostate cancer can be detected by a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate timing for this test and if it’s for you.

Two populations at high risk for prostate cancer are African American males and those with a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer incidence (new diagnoses) peaks around 70 to 74 years of age.

Experts recommend doing self-screening monthly, from age 15 until 40. The best time to do it is during or immediately following a bath or shower. You might find lumps, swelling or other symptoms of testicular cancer on your own. They can be detected during an exam by a health care provider, too.

You'll need other tests to see if testicular cancer is causing your symptoms. Don’t ignore even subtle changes. An ultrasound of the testicle can show if the area is solid or fluid filled, which can indicate how best to proceed. There are also blood tests that can indicate the possibility of cancer.

If you're 45 or older and at average risk of colon cancer – you have no colon cancer risk factors other than age – your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years.

If you have other risk factors, your doctor may recommend a screen sooner. Colonoscopy is one of a few options for colon cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about the best options for you. A colonoscopy is an exam used to look for changes – such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer – in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum (while you’re asleep). A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy as well.

Follow up with your primary provider. They will have the results of any test you may have had and will condense this information and plan with you for where to go from here. They will be able to answer any questions you may have and schedule any follow up appointments or procedures.

The North Country Community Health Services Board (NCCHB) is a legal, governing authority for local public health. The NCCHB works with the Minnesota Department of Health to fund and provide local public health services in the counties of Hubbard, Beltrami, Clearwater and Lake of the Woods. More info at www.ncchb.org.