Prostate and Colon Health: Second Half of Life
They say life begins at 50. But for many men, it feels like the start of scary doctor visits. What if I told you that two simple tests could be the most important ones you'll ever take? Not just to live longer, but to live better and stronger.
The Day Everything Changed
When I turned 50, I knew I had to face facts. Like most men, I avoided doctors unless something was really wrong. The idea of talking about prostate checks or colon tests felt embarrassing. But then I learned something that changed my mind: my fear wasn't keeping me safe—it was putting me in danger.
Here are the facts. Prostate cancer happens to 1 out of every 9 men. Colon cancer happens to 1 out of every 23 men. But here's the good news: both cancers can be stopped if you catch them early.
What Your Body Isn't Telling You
Your Prostate: Small But Important
Your prostate is about the size of a walnut. It helps make fluid for sperm. The problem is that prostate cancer doesn't make noise. You might have it and never know. Many men live their whole lives with prostate cancer and never have symptoms.
Doctors use a blood test called PSA to check your prostate. If you're 50 and healthy, you should start talking to your doctor about this test. If you're African American or your dad or brother had prostate cancer, start talking about it at 45.
The test looks for different numbers based on your age:
- In your 50s: Normal is under 3.5
- In your 60s: Normal is under 4.5
- In your 70s: Normal is under 6.5
Your Colon: Your Body's Cleanup System
Your colon is about 4 feet long. It processes waste from your food. The good news about colon cancer is that it grows slowly. It takes 10 to 15 years for a small growth (called a polyp) to turn into cancer. That gives you lots of time to find it and remove it.
Doctors now say everyone should start colon cancer tests at 45, not 50 like they used to say. This is because more young people are getting colon cancer than before.
My Story: From Scared to Smart
I won't lie—my first tests weren't fun. But they weren't as bad as I thought they'd be. The prostate test was just a blood draw, like any other blood test. The colon test (called a colonoscopy) was harder because of the prep, but the actual test was done while I was asleep.
The best part? My doctor found small growths in my colon and removed them right away. Those growths could have turned into cancer years later. That 20-minute test might have saved my life.
How the Tests Work
Prostate Test: Simple Blood Work
The PSA test is just a blood test. A nurse takes blood from your arm, just like any other blood test. The lab checks for a protein that your prostate makes. If the number is high, you might need more tests.
If your PSA is high, you won't automatically need surgery. Your doctor might:
- Wait and test again in a few months
- Order an MRI scan of your prostate
- Do a small biopsy (take a tiny sample of tissue)
For more detailed information about prostate testing and treatment options, visit the Mayo Clinic's prostate cancer screening guide.
Colon Test: You Have Options
You have several ways to check for colon cancer:
At-Home Tests (Easiest)
- FIT test: You collect a small stool sample at home every year
- Stool DNA test: You collect a larger sample every 3 years
Hospital Tests (Most Complete)
- Colonoscopy: A doctor looks inside your whole colon every 10 years
- Sigmoidoscopy: A doctor checks the lower part of your colon every 5 years
The colonoscopy is the best test because if the doctor finds growths, they can remove them right away.
The American Cancer Society provides comprehensive information about all colon cancer screening options to help you choose what's right for you.
Getting Over the Fear
Let's be honest—these tests check private parts of your body. But think of it this way: you get your car checked to keep it running. Your body needs the same care.
I changed how I thought about it. This isn't embarrassing medical stuff. This is taking care of the most important thing I own—my body.
Your Simple Action Plan
Know Your Risk
Higher Risk for Prostate Cancer:
- Your dad or brother had prostate cancer
- You are African American
- You are over 50
Higher Risk for Colon Cancer:
- Someone in your family had colon cancer or polyps
- You have bowel disease
- You eat lots of processed meat
- You don't exercise much
- You smoke or drink a lot
The National Cancer Institute offers detailed information about prostate cancer including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.
Know When to Test
Prostate:
- Start at 50 if you have normal risk
- Start at 45 if you have high risk
- Test every 2-4 years
Colon:
- Start at 45 for everyone
- Keep testing until age 75 if you're healthy
Keep Track
Write down your test results or save them on your phone. This helps you and your doctor see if anything changes over time.
Foods and Habits That Help
Testing is important, but what you do every day matters too. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, fish twice a week, and whole grains. Limit processed meat and alcohol. Move your body for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. This could be walking, playing with kids, or working in your yard.
What Happens If Tests Show Problems
Don't panic if a test comes back abnormal. "Abnormal" doesn't always mean cancer. If your PSA is high, you might just need to test again. Small polyps are removed right away and are usually not cancer. Even if it is cancer, catching it early means much better treatment.
When I started getting regular tests, something great happened. My friends and family started getting tested too. My brother found out his PSA was a little high and now watches it carefully. My best friend's colonoscopy found polyps that were removed before they became problems.
We remind each other about appointments now. What started as my health choice became a group effort.
For additional support and resources, the American College of Gastroenterology provides patient education materials about colon health and screening options.
The Bottom Line
A prostate test takes 5 minutes. A colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes (plus prep). That's less time than watching a TV show. These short tests could save your life.
You can't prevent every health problem. But you can catch these two big ones early when they're much easier to treat.
Start Today
Don't wait for your birthday or New Year's. Call your doctor today. Make two appointments: one to talk about prostate testing and one to talk about colon testing. If you don't have a doctor, finding one should be your first job.
Remember: finding cancer early saves lives. But only if you show up for the tests.
For comprehensive guidelines and the latest screening recommendations, visit the American Cancer Society's screening guidelines for healthcare professionals and patients.
Do these things this week:
- Call your doctor about prostate and colon tests
- Ask your family about cancer history
- Eat one extra serving of fruits or vegetables each day
- Take a 20-minute walk
- Tell another man about getting tested
The second half of your life can be your best half. Make sure you're healthy enough to enjoy it.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Visit bewellover50.com for more wellness tips, screening guidelines, and support resources designed specifically for men over 50. Your future self will thank you for the steps you take today.
