With Dr. Stephanie Cabello of First Physicians Group
Men are notorious for procrastinating when it comes to preventative medical care. But one important way men can stay healthier longer is to get the regular cancer screening tests they need. Screenings can help find cancer early, when it's easier to treat.
“When it comes to cancer and chronic health conditions, prevention is key,” said Dr. Stephanie Cabello, an Internal Medicine doctor with Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group. “The best way to prevent cancer or catch it early is to get screened. I encourage everyone to see their primary-care doctor yearly for a health maintenance checkup, and to talk with them about any recommended screenings.”
Men should talk to their doctors about having the following cancer screenings as they age:
Prostate cancer: Screenings include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam. There are risks and benefits to prostate screenings tests, so talk with your doctor about if and when this screening is right for you. Men should consider starting screenings around age 50, or earlier if they are at an increased risk of the disease.
Colorectal cancer: Most colon cancers develop slowly over time. Colonoscopies can detect colon polyps before they turn into cancer, and if found, polyps can be removed during the procedure. Other screening tests include flexible sigmoidoscopy, FIT stool test, cologuard and virtual colonoscopy. Men should begin screenings at age 45, or earlier if they have increased risk factors for colon cancer.
Skin cancer: Men have about a 30% higher incidence of basal and squamous cell skin cancer compared to women. Older men also have a higher incidence of melanoma compared to women. Check your skin regularly for changes in color, shape or size of marks and moles. You should also routinely have a physician check your skin for anything that looks suspicious.
In addition to these cancer screenings, men should have the following tested regularly:
- Blood pressure, checked annually.
- Cholesterol, starting around age 35, unless a doctor recommends starting earlier due to risk factors.
- Diabetes, starting around age 45, unless a doctor recommends starting earlier due to increased risk factors.
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Stephanie Cabello, MD, sees patients at SMH’s First Physicians Group Lorraine Corners office. For appointments at this Lakewood Ranch office, please call 941-917-7080. If you need help getting a referral for a cancer screening, please call SMH’s HealthLine physician referral line at 941-917-7777.
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Date Last Reviewed: March 27, 2019
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