Men more likely to have prostate than colon cancer screening

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A survey shows that fewer than half of men have colon cancer screening compared to two thirds having prostate cancer screening.
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is the main way of screening for prostate cancer, yet its value remains controversial. And colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death among men, with screening known to be beneficial. Therefore, men really should make colon cancer screening a priority over prostate cancer screening.

The reverse is true, however, according to a survey of nearly 23,000 men by researchers at the University of Michigan. They found that under half - 47.6 per cent - were up to date with their colon cancer screening. But two thirds had had a PSA test in the recent past. The researchers think that perhaps it would be worthwhile building on men's awareness of prostate cancer to persuade them also of the risk of colon cancer.

Previous research has shown that only half of women who got regular mammograms and Pap smears also had colon cancer screening. Studies are underway to see if it's possible to raise women's awareness of colon cancer when they attend for breast or cervical screening. It may be that such an approach would also work with men and so increase the take-up of colon cancer screening.

Source
Journal of the American College of Surgeons February 2005

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