July 15, 2011
Colonoscopy tops list of screening tests for men
Visit: Men, Stay Healthy at Any Age
One of my patients was not convinced that he should be screened for colorectal cancer when he turned 50. Even though we discussed the benefits of a colonoscopy on several occasions, he assumed that a lack of symptoms meant he was problem-free. Unfortunately, eight years later, he experienced rectal bleeding. A growth that could have been detected as a small polyp had become a large cancer. His surgery to remove this cancer was difficult, and he will need to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of his life.
A patient at the UW Neighborhood Clinic in Woodinville gets his blood pressure checked.Clare McLean
Finally, even though annual wellness exams have not proven to be effective for screening, men should recognize that preventive medicine involves seeing their doctor regularly for physical and emotional health concerns, as well as to monitor prescription medications and keep immunizations current. It also involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle by being physically active, making good food choices and not smoking.
Tim Burner, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine doctor at the UW Neighborhood Clinic in Woodinville. For more information, call 800.852.8546 or visit www.uwmedicine.org/uwpn.
