Screening For Prostate & Colon Cancers
- Singer-songwriter Kipper Jones, a prostate and colon cancer survivor, is urging men to “know your numbers” and prioritize regular screenings after his own experiences with cancer and Lynch syndrome.
- Prostate cancer screening often begins with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This test measures PSA levels in the blood, and higher levels can indicate cancer. A digital rectal exam (DRE) to check your prostate for lumps may also be performed.
- The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends men at average risk between 55 and 69 years old talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. The American Cancer Society makes slightly different recommendations, suggesting men at average risk begin screening at 50, and men at higher risk at 45 or even 40.
- The USPSTF recommends that stat colon cancer screenings begin at 45 years old. This is in response to a rise in colon cancer diagnoses in younger adults. In the past, the disease had predominantly been found in adults 50 years or older, but for those predisposed to get it at a younger age, these new guidelines could potentially help catch it at an earlier stage.
Jones, who rose to stardom as the lead vocalist of the 1980s R&B and funk band Tease, recently participated in Straight No Chaser, an annual men’s health event held Sept. 19 at Impact Church in East Point, Georgia, where attendees were able to access health resources, workshops and complimentary mobile prostate cancer screenings from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, including a PSA blood test at no cost.
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Jones was referring to two notorious cases of medical mistreatment of Black Americans: the Tuskegee study, in which Black men with syphilis were deliberately left untreated for decades, and the case of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and used for research for decades.
His reasons are also personal. Jones’s father had Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), an inherited condition that raises a person’s risk of several cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer.
What is Lynch Syndrome? And Why Is it Important to Know About for People Fighting Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancers in people with Lynch syndrome tend to appear earlier in life, often before age 50. Because the condition is inherited, genetic testing can help people with a family history learn whether they carry it, allowing them to begin screening earlier and take other steps to reduce their risk.
Jones himself had his prostate removed in 2022 after a prostate cancer diagnosis, and last September he underwent surgery for colon cancer.
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“Had I not been proactive in seeking, making sure my numbers were okay, having an annual colonoscopy and all those sorts of things, my outcomes could have been very different,” he said.
“And so, you know, my testimony, my offering is to make sure that people are aware that early detection, frequent checks are ultimately important.”
Offering additional insight into the church that held event, Jones said, “So the Impact Church is an inclusive body of believers committed to holistic salvation and doing Christ’s work in the world. And Straight No Chaser really gives us an opportunity to prove that in an attempt to improve our health outcomes.
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“And we’ve realized that men are not going to the doctor and seeking preventative care or getting regular checkups. So this is our fourth annual event, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Jones added that the event isn’t meant to be a lecture or to make anyone feel judged about where they are with their health. Instead, he said, the goal is to encourage open, honest conversations and help people connect with resources so they can take the next steps.
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Why Self-Advocacy in Healthcare Can Be Life-Saving
When patients actively advocate for their health, it can lead to earlier diagnoses, broader treatment options, and ultimately better outcomes—especially when initial symptoms are overlooked or dismissed.
Part of this advocacy means not settling for a single medical opinion. Persistence matters: revisiting your doctor, pushing for answers, and seeking additional perspectives from other healthcare providers can be crucial steps in the journey.
WATCH: The value of getting a second opinion
Getting another opinion may also help you avoid doctor biases. For example, some surgeons own radiation treatment centers. “So there may be a conflict of interest if you present to a surgeon who is recommending radiation because there is some ownership of that type of facility,” Dr. Jim Hu, director of robotic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet.
Other reasons to get a second opinion include:
- To see a doctor who has more experience treating your type of cancer
- You have a rare type of cancer
- There are several ways to treat your cancer
- You feel like your doctor isn’t listening to you, or isn’t giving you sound advice
- You have trouble understanding your doctor
- You don’t like the treatment your doctor is recommending, or you’re worried about its possible side effects
- Your insurance company wants you to get another medical opinion
- Your cancer isn’t improving on your current treatment
Understanding Lynch Syndrome
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), Lynch syndrome also leads to a high risk of developing endometrial cancer, along with cancers of the ovary, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureters and bile duct.
The ACS explains that this syndrome can be caused by a mutation in any of several mismatch repair (MMR) genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS1, and PMS2. “These genes are normally involved in repairing damaged DNA. When one of these genes isn’t working, cells can develop mistakes in their DNA, which might lead to other gene mutations and eventually cancer,” says the ACS.
Dr. Ophira Ginsburg, a medical oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, says in an earlier interview, “About 20% of people with colon cancer have a family history, and about half of those, we know the risks are based on specific genes. Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of that small piece of the pie.”
“It’s very important to ask your health care provider if you might have Lynch syndrome, and if you can see a genetic counselor to discuss it further. In fact, there are a number of genes involved in Lynch syndrome. What is it really? It’s sometimes referred to as hereditary colon cancer, but that doesn’t really quite cover it. It includes an increased risk to colon cancer, rectal cancer, uterine or endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and a range of other cancers as well.”
“And why is this important? Colon cancer is something that really should be completely preventable through screening and appropriate interventions, like removal of polyps for example. So individuals who carry one of the genes that’s associated with Lynch syndrome can be offered testing, certainly screening, at a much earlier age than you normally would have suggested by your care provider, even as early as the age of 25. We also would screen with a colonoscopy much more frequently,” she added.
Inherited Genetic Disorders in Colon Cancer: Lynch Syndrome
Prostate Health Among Black Men
Since Black men tend to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at younger ages compared to other racial groups, the new guidelines state Black men should consider screening at 40 years old since this demographic group is regarded as a “high-risk population.”
WATCH: How to Address Racial Disparities in Cancer Care
The “New England Journal of Medicine” highlights that Black men are at a higher risk of getting prostate cancer. Researchers, consisting of primary care, urology, medical and radiation oncology, translational science, and patient advocates, reviewed 287 studies using systematic review protocols to develop prostate cancer screening guidelines specific to Black men.
They determined, for Black men (higher-risk):
- Prostate cancer tends to develop 3–9 years earlier in Black men.
- Early discussions about PSA screening should begin in the early 40s.
- Baseline PSA testing between the ages of 40 and 45 is recommended.
- Continued screening until age 70, adjusted for PSA levels and health status, could reduce mortality by roughly 30% without a major overdiagnosis risk.
“Few guidelines have outlined specific recommendations for prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based prostate cancer screening among Black men,” researchers for Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) said in its report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
“Discussions with health care providers about baseline PSA testing should begin by the time Black men are in their early 40s, and modeling data suggest prostate cancer develops 3-9 years earlier in Black men compared to their peers. Lowering the age for baseline PSA testing from 50-55 years to 40-45, followed by regular screening intervals until the age of 70, would reduce prostate cancer mortality in Black men,” the PCF said in its report.
RELATED: Black Men May Be More Susceptible To Advanced Cancer Due to Biomarkers in the DNA, Study Says
SurvivorNet holds an annual Close the Gap conference to educate, spread awareness, and ultimately work to eliminate racial disparities in cancer care. Our efforts aim to ensure everyone has access to education about cancer, screening recommendations, treatment options, clinical trials, and more.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Warning Signs
When you do get screened for prostate cancer, your doctor will run a few tests.
One of the tests is the protein-specific antigen (PSA) test, a simple blood test that screens for prostate cancer. It looks for more significant amounts of protein-specific antigen in the blood. An elevated PSA test does not always mean you have prostate cancer. It could also reflect that your prostate is enlarged, which is common, or it could signal an infection or inflammation.
Your doctor may also conduct a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check your prostate for lumps.
Depending on the results of these tests, imaging scans and a biopsy may be ordered.
WATCH: How Gleason Grade Determines Treatment
Prostate cancer does not always behave the same in every man it impacts. The cancer can be considered “low-risk” and can be slow-growing, and treatment might not be necessary. In other men, the cancer may grow faster or more aggressively, requiring more immediate treatment. Because of this, there is some debate about screening.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men at average risk between the ages of 55 and 69 years talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at age 50 who are at average risk should begin screening. Men who are at high risk of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40. Men with a close relative diagnosed with prostate cancer should consider annual screenings in their 30s.
SurvivorNet experts suggested that men consider factors like their family history, genes, and age when deciding whether and when to screen.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
- Urinating more often
- Waking up in the middle of the night to pee
- Blood in your urine
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Pain in your back, hips, thighs, or other bones
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
What To Know About Screening After Age 70
The prostate cancer screening guidelines offer little to no guidance for men 70 and older. The USPSTF’s recommendation that men refrain from regular screening after age 70 is particularly concerning given recent data released in 2025 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that 43% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients were 70 or older. The agency adds that from 2003 to 2022, the age range that saw the most prostate cancer cases was 70 and older.
In May of 2025, former president Joe Biden revealed publicly he had been diagnosed with stage prostate cancer at age 82, opening up a very public debate about whether or not older men should be screened routinely.
Former ABC News and Good Morning America Medical Director Dr. Timothy Johnson, recently announced his prostate cancer diagnosis at age 89. He told SurvivorNet that continued prostate cancer screening into a man’s 70s, 80s, and beyond isn’t clear-cut. However, he prefers to lean on the side of caution and continue screening.
“I think all I can really honestly say is after age 75, I would personally, if I’m in good health and mentally intact, continue yearly testing for a few years. If it remains very low, you might test every two years or, eventually, every three years,” Dr. Johnson said.
“But if it starts increasing during your yearly testing after 75, keep an eye on it; if it reaches a certain threshold, discuss potential treatment options. So I think we have to be very flexible and not rigidly follow those guidelines.”
Importance Of Screening For Prostate Cancer
Screening For Colon Cancer
Colon cancers start out as a polyp, or small growth, in the colon that causes no symptoms. Although polyps can’t be felt, they can be picked up by screening tests before they cause a problem. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become a full-blown cancer, which gives doctors time to remove the polyp before it causes a problem.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently drafted new recommended guidelines which state colon cancer screenings should begin at 45-years-old. This is in response to the increase we are seeing of colon cancer diagnoses in younger adults. However, many insurance companies still do not cover the cost of screenings for those below the age of 50. In the past, the disease had predominantly been found in adults 50-years or older, but for those predisposed to get it at a younger age, these new guidelines could potentially help catch it at an earlier stage.
The best and most complete way of screening is a colonoscopy every 10 years. In general, you should get your first colonoscopy at age 45 but the guidelines differ depending on your risk category. If you have a close relative who had colon cancer, a rule of thumb is to get screened 10 years prior to their age of diagnosis to make sure any growths or cancers are caught early. If you have several family members who had colon cancer, or family members who got it at a young age (less than 50 years old), it may be necessary to undergo genetic screening. And if you have a lot of polyps on your colonoscopy or if you yourself have had colon cancer previously, you will need a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are looking for ways to better understand your disease and treatment options, here are some key questions to bring to your doctor.
You can also turn to SurvivorNet’s proprietary AI tool, “My Health Questions,” which helps patients and caregivers navigate a new diagnosis and prepare thoughtful, personalized questions for their care team.
WATCH: A New Wave of Cancer Patients Using SurvivorNet’s My Health AI Tools For Support
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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