Common Cancers in Men and Screening Tests

Prostate, colorectal (bowel), and testicular cancers rank among the most common oncological conditions affecting men. The shared trait of these diseases is that they rarely show any symptoms in their early stages. Through regular screening tests, cancer cells can be detected before they spread, or precancerous lesions can be found before turning into malignant tumours. Early diagnosis makes the treatment process much smoother and significantly more successful.

• For prostate cancer screening, an annual PSA blood test and a urological examination are recommended starting at age 50.
• A colonoscopy is the most reliable bowel screening method and should be performed on every man between the ages of 45 and 50.
• Testicular cancer is particularly common in young men aged 15 to 35 and can be caught early through self-examination.
• Screening tests are performed on healthy individuals to detect risks before any symptoms of the disease appear.
• Men with a family history of cancer need to start their screening schedule at a much earlier age.

What Are the Most Common Cancers in Men?

Prostate, lung, colon, and testicular cancers are the leading oncological diseases threatening men's health. While lung cancer is generally directly linked to smoking, a wide variety of factors such as genetic predisposition, age, and lifestyle play a role in prostate, colon, and testicular cancers. The greatest advantage with these three types of cancer is that they can be caught at very early stages thanks to advanced medical imaging and laboratory tests. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, undergoing regular health checks at the age intervals recommended by your doctor is of vital importance.

Prostate Cancer and the Role of Early Diagnosis

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder. As men age, the uncontrolled multiplication of cells in this gland can lead to prostate cancer. It is one of the most frequently encountered oncological issues, especially in men over 50. When caught in the early stages, treatment success is remarkably high, allowing patients to live healthy lives for many years.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The disease usually remains silent in its initial stages. However, as the tumour grows and begins to press against the urethra, certain complaints emerge. Frequent urination, a burning sensation or difficulty when passing urine, a weak urinary stream, and the presence of blood in the urine or semen are the most common symptoms. In advanced stages, if the cancer has spread to the bones, pain in the back, hips, or lower back may be felt.

Risk Factors

Advanced age is the biggest risk factor; the incidence increases significantly in men over 65. Having a family history of prostate cancer (such as a father, brother, or uncle), genetic predisposition, a high-fat diet, and obesity are other factors that elevate the risk. Those with a family history need to be more vigilant and begin screenings earlier.

Prostate Cancer Screening and the PSA Test

Prostate cancer screening essentially consists of two steps: measuring PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels in the blood and a physical examination by a urologist. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland and is present in the blood at certain levels. This blood test, done as part of the screening, requires a simple blood sample taken from the arm. An elevated PSA does not always mean cancer; an enlarged prostate or an infection can also increase this value. However, if there is a risk, your doctor will resort to advanced diagnostics like an MRI fusion biopsy to make a definitive diagnosis.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer: A Silent Threat

Colorectal cancers, which develop in the large intestine and rectum, are among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Most colon cancers begin as benign growths called polyps on the inner lining of the bowel, which undergo cellular changes over many years. Because of this, colon cancer screening tests aim not only to find cancer but also to detect and remove these precancerous polyps early on.

Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Unexplained changes in bowel habits are the most important warning sign. Prolonged diarrhoea or constipation, a narrowing of the stool, and the appearance of bright red or dark blood in the stool must be taken seriously. Furthermore, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal cramps and gas pains, and a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely are also frequent complaints.

Risk Factors

Being over the age of 50 and having a history of colon cancer or polyps in first-degree relatives increases the risk. A sedentary lifestyle, a diet low in fibre and high in processed meats, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and inflammatory bowel diseases (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) are the main underlying causes that pave the way for colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Screening Tests and Colonoscopy

The first step for screening is usually the Faecal Occult Blood Test. This test detects invisible traces of blood in the stool. However, the most definitive and therapeutic method is a colonoscopy. The answer to the question of when a colonoscopy should be done is generally between the ages of 45 and 50. During the procedure, the entire large intestine is examined using a flexible tube with a camera at its tip. Any polyps found are painlessly cut and removed during the same session. For more detailed information on this topic, you can read our article titled 5 Minutes Against a Silent Threat: What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer.

Testicular Cancer: What Young Men Need to Watch Out For

Testicular cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the testicles, the male reproductive glands. Unlike other types of cancer, it mostly affects young men between the ages of 15 and 35. Although it can tend to grow and spread quickly, thanks to modern medical methods, it is one of the most treatable cancers with the highest recovery rates.

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

The most prominent complaint is feeling a painless, hard lump or swelling in one of the testicles. An enlargement of the testicle, a change in shape, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, or a sudden accumulation of fluid may be noticed. Sometimes, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin can also accompany the clinical picture. If any lump is noticed, a specialist should be consulted without delay.

Risk Factors

A history of an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism) is the most well-known risk factor. Even if the testicles did not descend into the scrotum during infancy and this was surgically corrected, it still slightly increases the risk of cancer in later years. A family history of testicular cancer, abnormal testicular development, and genetic factors are counted among other risk elements.

Screening and Self-Examination

There is no standard blood or imaging screening test for testicular cancer. The most effective method is personal awareness and self-examination. It is recommended that young men gently check both testicles with their fingers once a month, ideally after a warm shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. If an unusual hardness or a pea-sized lump is felt, they should apply directly to a urology department.

How Should You Prepare for Screening Tests?

For cancer screenings to yield accurate results, it is of great importance that the patient follows the pre-procedure preparation rules. Incorrect preparation can lead to the test needing to be repeated or to misleading results.

Preparation for the PSA Test

The PSA test is done with a blood sample taken from the arm. In the 48 hours prior to the test, it is necessary to abstain from sexual intercourse and avoid heavy exercise (especially sports that put pressure on the prostate area, like cycling). Additionally, if you have recently had a urinary tract infection or a prostate massage, you should inform your doctor, as PSA levels may temporarily rise.

Preparation for a Colonoscopy

For a colonoscopy to be successful, the bowels must be completely cleansed. A few days before the procedure, patients switch to a low-fibre, mostly liquid diet. Special bowel-cleansing solutions (laxatives) prescribed by your doctor are drunk the evening before and the morning of the procedure. Drinking plenty of water during this process prevents the body from becoming dehydrated. Patients are asked to come to the hospital on an empty stomach on the day of the procedure, as a colonoscopy is usually performed under a mild sedative.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Cancer screenings should be done when you have no complaints at all. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should immediately apply to a healthcare facility without waiting for your routine screening time:

• Visible bleeding in the urine or stool.
• Noticing a suddenly developing, hard lump in the testicles, whether painful or painless.
• Experiencing unexplained, involuntary, and rapid weight loss.
• Acute obstruction situations, such as being unable to urinate or empty the bladder.
• Severe and persistent abdominal or groin pain.

In particular, if urine output stops completely or if a large amount of fresh blood accompanies a bowel movement, these are situations requiring emergency intervention. In such a scenario, you should call 112 for emergency services without delay or go to the nearest hospital's emergency department.

Cancer Screening and the Process at BHT CLINIC

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we offer comprehensive screening and diagnostic services aimed at protecting men's health. For your prostate and testicular health, we are by your side with our expert medical staff in our Urology clinic. Thanks to our advanced laboratory infrastructure, your PSA tests are finalised quickly, while personalised treatment plans are created using advanced technologies like MRI fusion biopsy and robotic surgery when necessary.

For your colorectal cancer screenings, our Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine departments work in coordination. In our endoscopy unit, colonoscopy procedures are safely performed by our experienced specialists under sedation to keep patient comfort at the highest level. For unexpected health issues, our 24/7 emergency department is always ready. To avoid postponing your health and to create your personalised screening schedule, you can consult our doctors by booking an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast for a PSA test?

No, fasting is not required for a PSA test. You can give blood at any time of the day, even on a full stomach. However, avoiding heavy exercise and maintaining sexual abstinence for 48 hours prior to the test is necessary for the accuracy of the result.

At what age should a colonoscopy be done?

Men without any complaints or family history are recommended to have their first colonoscopy between the ages of 45 and 50. For individuals with a family history of colon cancer, this screening starts at a much earlier age, usually 10 years before the age at which their relative was diagnosed.

Can testicular cancer be completely cured?

Yes, thanks to current medical approaches, testicular cancer is one of the cancer types with the highest recovery rates. When diagnosed at an early stage, the vast majority of patients fully regain their health through surgical intervention and, if necessary, additional treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy).

What happens if a faecal occult blood test is positive?

A positive test means there is blood in the stool, but this does not definitively show that you have cancer. Haemorrhoids, anal fissures, or benign polyps can also cause bleeding. A colonoscopy must absolutely be performed to determine the exact cause.

Is a prostate exam a painful procedure?

A prostate exam, known as a digital rectal examination (DRE), is generally a painless and simple procedure that takes only a few seconds. Although it may cause a slight feeling of discomfort, it plays just as critical a role as the PSA test in evaluating the size and structure of the prostate.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.