Just as routine vehicle inspections help prevent serious car problems, regular health screenings can detect potential problems and help you stay healthy.

Here's a closer look at two common screenings that you may want to consider.

Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer in the U.S. But if caught early, it can be treated. Adults ages 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer every year. People who have a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps and those with inflammatory bowel disease may need to begin screenings at an earlier age.

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

• Fecal occult blood test, which checks for blood in the stool. Stool samples are collected at home and then sent to a lab for testing.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which is typically conducted in a doctor's office or clinic. To perform the test, the doctor inserts a flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to examine the lower part of the colon. The doctor may also collect tissue samples and polyps for further examination. A flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years is recommended.
• Double-contrast barium enema, which uses an X-ray to check for polyps in the colon. A barium solution is inserted into the colon, which is inflated with air to get a clear X-ray image. A double-contrast barium enema every five years is recommended.
• Colonoscopy, which is generally performed in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic, is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy. However, a colonoscopy uses a longer tube that allows the doctor to see the entire colon and take tissue samples or remove polyps if necessary. A colonoscopy every 10 years is typically recommended.

Prostate Health Screenings
The second most common type of cancer in men after skin cancer, prostate cancer is often treatable if caught early. There are two common screenings for prostate cancer:

• In a digital rectal exam, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved fi nger into the rectum to feel the prostate for irregularities.
• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. Generally, the higher the PSA level, the more likely there is a prostate problem. A raised PSA level can also indicate a prostate problem other than cancer, such as an enlarged prostate or a prostate infection.

Having both tests done is more reliable than either test alone. Men ages 50 and older should talk with their doctor about whether the screenings can help them.

See How Much You Know
We have online quizzes to help you learn even more about colorectal cancer and prostate health. Go to www.paramounthealthcare.com and click on "Better Health for Life," "Interactive Tools," "Quizzes," and "Colorectal Cancer Quiz" or "Prostate Health Quiz."