Colorectal cancer in gay men

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting people of all genders. There are several ways to get screened for colorectal cancer:. Some gay and bisexual men might have a higher risk of anal cancer. Guidelines can vary depending on your personal and family medical history, but a common recommendation nowadays is to start colorectal cancer screening around age 45 for individuals at average risk 12 12.

If you opt for a colonoscopy as your primary screening, Tom of P-Town suggests:. Hey there, P-Towners! Your doctor may give you a slightly different timetable based on your specific history. Anal PAP smears help detect abnormal cells that could lead to anal cancer, especially pertinent for gay men, men who have sex with men, and anyone with a history of HPV or HIV.

Colorectal cancer screening e. However, gay and bisexual people with a penis may be more likely to have certain risk factors that increase their chances of developing colorectal cancer, such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Regular screening is thus a crucial part of proactive health care.

Because they can produce false positives or false negatives, any suspicious result should be followed by a colonoscopy. CRC screening can detect precancerous growths polyps and allow doctors to remove them before they turn into something more serious. Younger men in particular are also at risk of testicular cancer.

Some people may need to begin earlier if they have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain genetic conditions. The most common types of cancer among men in the US are prostate, lung, colorectal, and skin cancers. Typically repeated every 5—10 years depending on a variety of factors if you have a normal result.

Putting it simply: yes to colonoscopies and yes to anal PAPs —both are essential parts of routine care for many gay men. Tom here, diving into an important topic for all men—especially gay men—looking to take charge of their health.

Colorectal cancer in gay

Another at-home test that looks for both blood and abnormal DNA in your stool. Repeat in 3 years if any polyps were found during your screening colonoscopy. Every 3 years if polyps were found. Higher sensitivity than FIT alone detecting many cancers but can also have more false positives lower specificity 3 3.

Colorectal Cancer in Gay Men Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. Always consult with your healthcare provider to figure out the best plan for you. A noninvasive, at-home stool test that looks for hidden blood in your stool.

While it affects individuals across all demographics, recent research has highlighted specific considerations regarding its prevalence and risk factors in gay men. These are two separate but equally important screenings:. Every 5 years if none were found.

Repeat in 5 years if no polyps were found. Knowing about these cancers and what you can do to help lower your. Noninvasive tests like Cologuard and FIT generally have good sensitivity for detecting cancer but may miss some precancerous polyps compared to a colonoscopy.