Hamilton, OH
A 42-year-old male asked:
i'm 42, my dad died from colon and prostate cancer. when should i have a prostate exam? i've never had a testicular exam either, should i?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ed Friedlander answered
Pathology 44 years experience
Yes indeed: I'm glad you're aware of ways to reduce your risk. Your physical exam will include a prostate check, if not now than starting within the next few years. You do your own testicular self-exam when you're in the shower -- learn your way around and report any new surprise masses to your physician.
4525 viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Robert Killian commented
General Practice 28 years experience
We started testing the PSA and offering Prostate Exams in the forties now. When I was trained a century ago we waited until men were 50. At 42 I agree with Dr. Friedlander that this should be done with your annual physical this year. I also, like him, remind my male patients that they should be monitoring their scrotal anatomy just like women are taught to monitor their breasts.
Jan 27, 2014

Dr. Manoj Reddy answered
Radiation Oncology 24 years experience
Screening; family hx: Guidelines for prostate cancer screening are controversial. The acs recommends that men at high risk, aa ; with 1st degree relatives diagnosed earlier than 65, should start discussing pros and cons of screening (psa and digital rectal exam) with their doctors starting at age 40. For colon cancer, the acs recommends screening at age 40 with family hx or 10 yrs before youngest case.
4521 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Jan 31, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.