Men's Health Month reminds men to take charge of their health
June is Men’s Health Month, and a timely reminder for men to take charge of their well-being. One of the most powerful tools in men’s preventive health is the colonoscopy, a screening method that saves lives by detecting colorectal cancer before it starts.
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for all average-risk adults. This 2021 guideline marked a significant shift from previous recommendations, which advised starting at age 50 for most people and age 45 only for African Americans. Your gastroenterologist is uniquely qualified to detect colorectal cancer early, identify and safely remove polyps, and help prevent cancer before it develops.
Dr. Christopher Fincke, who practices gastroenterology at Methodist Hospital Hill Country, emphasizes that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S. Unlike breast or prostate cancer, which are harder to prevent, colorectal cancer can often be stopped before it begins.
“Colon cancer starts as a slow-growing polyp. That long lead time gives us a real chance to catch it and remove it before it becomes cancer,” explains Dr. Fincke. “That’s why colonoscopies aren’t just for screening—they’re for prevention.”
Despite the clear benefits, many men delay screenings. Dr. Fincke attributes this to several factors. “Men ages 20 to 50 often don’t regularly see physicians,” he says. “There’s also the natural hesitation—colonoscopy is an invasive procedure, and for many men, that creates anxiety.”
But starting at age 45 (or earlier for those with a family history), colonoscopy becomes an essential part of health maintenance. “If your father or sibling had colon cancer at 52, we want to screen you at 42,” Fincke advises. “And if you wait for symptoms, it may be too late.”
Dr. Fincke also stresses the importance of watching for signs like bleeding, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits and it’s important to know your family history.
“The risk of colon cancer is 1 in 20,” Dr. Fincke points out. “But the risk of complication from a colonoscopy? Just 1 in 3,000 to 10,000 in the hands of a skilled provider. And 95% of colorectal cancers are preventable with timely screening,” he says.
Beyond screenings, Dr. Fincke encourages men to establish relationships with a primary care provider. “Think of them as the quarterback of your healthcare team,” he says. “They help connect the dots between specialists and urgent care visits. Trying to manage your health without one? It’s like running a football team with no quarterback—it just doesn’t work.” He also recommends a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, along with avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.
This Men’s Health Month, remember: being proactive today can prevent serious illness tomorrow. Colonoscopies save lives—and could be the difference between a routine procedure and a life-altering diagnosis.
Learn more about colonoscopy screenings at Methodist Hospital Hill Country.