What kinds of cancer screenings should men get as they age?
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As a man in my 60s, I do screening tests for prostate and colon cancer. But I wonder if I should get other testing like a full body CT scan to look for early signs of other cancers?Before choosing prostate cancer screening, men should have a discussion with their doctor about the pros and cons of blood testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Since you have opted in for screening, I suspect that you are getting a PSA test done every year or two. Your doctor may also be doing a rectal exam to assess the prostate for any abnormalities, although this is optional. Now, doctors can also consider ordering newer urine DNA tests and prostate MRIs as additional methods that might improve the detection of aggressive prostate cancers that are important to diagnose and treat early.
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About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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