Cancer-Free at Any Age: Checklist for Men

Screening exams can diagnose cancer at the earliest stages, when treatment is most effective. Texas Oncology recommends regular screening and/or self-exams for men for prostate, colorectal, skin, testicular, and lung cancers based on the guidelines below.

Adults at Every Age

• Individuals should be aware of their cancer risk, which may be higher for those with a personal or family history of cancer, or certain genetic profiles that have been associated with specific cancer types. For those with these risk factors, screening may need to occur more often or begin at an earlier age.
• Research does not indicate one most appropriate age to begin cancer screening. Patients should consult a physician, who will consider their history and circumstances, and make an informed decision about their screening schedule.
• Keep an eye on your skin and check for changes in freckles, moles, and other skin markings once a month.
• Men should check both testicles for hardened lumps and variations in size, shape, or consistency every month.

40s

• Men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65 may be at higher risk and should consider testing beginning at age 45. For men with more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, screening may begin at age 40.
• The risk of prostate cancer is higher in Black men than white men, for reasons that are unclear. Black men should consult with their physician between age 40 and 45 about obtaining an initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, followed by regular screening intervals until age 70.
• Beginning at 45, both men and women should begin screening for colorectal cancer with one of the following: guaiac-fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) annually; stool DNA (sDNA) test every three years; a flexible sigmoidoscopy, a double-contrast barium enema, or virtual colonoscopy every five years; or a colonoscopy every 10 years.
• People with increased colorectal cancer risk factors should consult a physician regarding whether to begin screenings earlier than age 45.

50s through 70s

• Beginning at age 50, men at average risk of prostate cancer should discuss the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening with their physician to make an informed decision about testing. Prostate cancer screening may involve a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal examination (DRE).
• People ages 50 to 80 who have smoked, on average, a pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years, whether they still smoke or have quit, are at a higher risk for lung cancer and should consider an annual low-dose CT to screen for lung cancer.

80s and Beyond

• Men age 80 and older should consult a physician about the benefits and risks of cancer screenings.