Between pick-up football games, do-it-yourself electrical work, five-layer nachos and the new motorcycle, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that your husband isn’t always looking out for what’s best for his health. Fortunately, he has you. While it may be difficult to convince him to give up his favorite snack or sell that new set of wheels, convincing him of the importance of prostate and colorectal screenings could be an important first step in making a long-term impact on your husband’s health.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men, as one in six are at risk of developing it at sometime in their lives. Screenings are a helpful way to protect your husband, as they can detect this cancer early and allow him to pursue treatment in its early stages. While all men should be aware of the screening options, if your husband is 68 years or older he has a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed and should have regular conversations about screenings with his healthcare provider.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Early stage colorectal cancer does not usually show symptoms and therefore screenings are often the best way to detect this form of cancer. As many as one in three adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screenings, so it is important to schedule an appointment with your local healthcare provider.
Health and happiness
It may not always be easy to influence your husband’s wellness, but prostate and colorectal screenings are vitally important to his long-term health and happiness. Encourage him to stay on top of his overall health and ask him if he’s got an annual physical appointment scheduled this year with his Riverview Health primary care physician.
Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.
Sources: Cancer.gov, CDC.gov
