28 minute read
Caregiver Corner
However you word it, you aren’t going to be okay if you don’t prioritize your health. Set aside time for yourself every day.
CAREGIVER CORNER
BY CHELSEA EDWARDS, SENIORLINE SUPERVISOR
Caregivers can often experience physical and emotional isolation. It can be one of the biggest challenges of caring for a loved one. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened that isolation for many.
Isolation is a challenge that most caregivers confront at one point along the journey, leading to emotions like loneliness, sadness, depression and feeling overwhelmed. Remember, reaching out is the best way to combat these feelings. Below are some methods and resources available should you feel disconnected from the world – and yourself.
MAKE SELF-CARE A PRIORITY
Remember that self-care is crucial to providing care for others, as we mentioned in last month's Caregiver Corner article. This cannot be emphasized enough, but making your physical, mental and emotional well-being a priority is one way to ensure you are providing the best care possible for your loved one, while maintaining your own sense of well-being. There are so many ways to say it: “You have to fill up your own tank before you can drive others around,” “You have to drink from the cup before you can quench anyone else’s thirst,” and of course, my favorite, “You can’t squeeze blood out of a turnip.”
However you word it, you aren’t going to be okay if you don’t prioritize your health. Set aside personal time every day. Practice 10 minutes of breathing and meditation, get fresh air in your backyard, relax for a brief moment, or listen to your breathing and find your center to refresh your spirit.
CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES
COVID-19 has made communication difficult for everyone, but caregivers especially can feel the brunt of isolation for fear of infecting their loved one, who may be immuno-compromised. Even though technology can be challenging, it can also work in your favor. Talking on the phone, using FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video and many other forms of communication have proven to be impactful in helping people connect with their loved ones.
Getting to see their beautiful faces will allow you to feel like you’re speaking in person. I urge you to seek assistance with setting up one of these communication methods on your smart phone or computer – if you haven't already. If you need assistance, call LIFE’s SeniorLine at (918) 664-9000 and an Independent Case Manager will help you with the setup process.
ASK FOR HELP
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, depressed or just unable to shake off a funk, understand that many people will offer their support. LIFE’s Caregiver Support Program provides a kind ear to listen, resources if you’re in need and behavioral health services if caregiving has become overwhelming. Calling LIFE's SeniorLine can connect you to the people that will be by your side.
Many organizations in the area offer services and support, including the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 and the Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma at (918) 574-8499. Consider Oxford Healthcare’s Respite program at (918) 258-1111 for some time away from the house to focus on your needs. You may feel that you are unable to take care of your loved one alone, and it might be time to seek out in-home assistance through home health or the LIFE PACE program (see page 38). Call LIFE's SeniorLine at (918) 664-9000 to discuss some options for you to consider.
Isolation and loneliness can be extremely arduous to manage. Remember, although you may feel like you’re alone, there is a world of love, compassion and assistance right outside your doorstep.
Tips for Managing Caregiver Isolation
1. ACCEPT HELP
Make a list of things friends and family can do to assist you, and have it ready to share with those that can help. Sometimes we feel that it's easier to just "do it ourselves," but it may be rewarding for your loved one and the helper to be involved. Maybe they can take them on a drive or walk – or perhaps run an errand, pick up groceries or supply a meal.
2. GET CONNECTED
Find out about caregiving resources in your community. There are classes online or in person about the disease your loved one may be facing. You may learn about services like transportation, housekeeping or meal delivery that will help free up your time.
3. JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP
Caregiving support groups are filled with others who are also navigating the challenges of caregiving. They may have strategies and ideas for a situation you are facing. It can also be a great way to make friends. Check for virtual as well as in-person groups.
4. REACH OUT
Social connections take time and energy, but they are worth it. Seek out other caregivers in your neighborhood, senior center, church or other social circles. A kindred spirit to share with can be very encouraging. Check social media sites for clubs in your area if you enjoy walking or another hobby. It may be as simple as talking to someone at a store you shop at frequently or a neighbor.
Source: Mayo Clinic
SHOULD YOU ENROLL IN MEDICARE PART D FOR 2021? By Channing Rutherford, Medicare & Tax Assistance Program Supervisor
Medicare’s fall Open Enrollment Period is here, and you may wonder whether or not you should enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D). The answer to that depends on your current situation, including whether you have drug coverage, your health conditions and how much you spend on prescription drugs.
If you currently have drug coverage that is as good as or better than Medicare’s basic drug coverage (i.e., “credible”) and you’re satisfied with it, you probably should keep your current coverage. You can choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan later without penalty. If your current drug coverage is through an Employer Group Health Plan, you can contact your Benefits Coordinator through your Human Resource Department to find out whether your current drug coverage is credible to Medicare.
If you do not have drug coverage or have drug coverage that is not as good as Medicare’s, you need to think about whether Medicare Part D will help you. Questions to consider include:
I have very low prescription drug costs, so why would I consider enrolling in a Medicare drug plan?
If you have low prescription drug cost, having Medicare drug coverage could cost you more now but could protect you from high drug costs in the future and a late penalty with Medicare Part D. You may want to consider enrolling in a plan that offers a low monthly premium to ensure that you do have coverage if your prescription drug needs change.
Can I get help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage if I have limited income and resources?
Extra Help is available for those whose income is less than $1,615 a month in 2020 ($2,175 for couples) and whose resources are less than $14,610 ($29,160 for couples). If you meet these guidelines, you should apply for Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) and then enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan. With Extra Help, most of your drug plan costs will be paid for by
Medicare. The Medicare Assistance Program at LIFE can assist you with the application process.
If I didn’t enroll in a Medicare drug plan when
I was first eligible, can I enroll in a plan now?
If you did not enroll when you were first eligible for
Medicare Part D, you can enroll now during Medicare’s
Annual Enrollment Period. However, you should know that if you didn’t have other credible prescription drug coverage for 63 days or more in a row, you may also have to pay a late enrollment penalty. The penalty is 1% of the average national premium. In 2020, that is 33 cents for every month you were eligible but did not enroll. If you qualify for Extra Help, you will be granted a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a
Medicare prescription drug plan and will not have to pay a late enrollment premium penalty.
Where can I get help enrolling in a Medicare Part D drug plan?
Comparing your plan choices is important, and help is just a click away with Medicare’s Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. The Plan Finder includes all the 2021 drug plan costs and formulary information to help you compare and select a plan. You first have to create a My Medicare Account through www. mymedicare.gov. Then you can enter the drugs you take to find out how you can lower your costs and review the plan ratings to compare plan quality. If you find a plan that meets your needs, you can join the plan online starting October 15.
For one-on-one help, the Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) at LIFE Senior Services offers Medicare Part D assistance clinics throughout the annual enrollment period. Medicare volunteer counselors will help you compare Part D plans based on your prescriptions and assist you in selecting your drug coverage for 2021. Sources: www.ncoa.org, www.medicare.gov
LIFE's Medicare Assistance Program Goes Mobile!
Exciting News for Medicare Open Enrollment with LIFE Senior Services!
The Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) is offering several ways to help you determine if your Medicare prescription drug plan will still meet your needs in 2021. You can learn more about your Medicare Part D options from the safety of your own home with telephone appointments. MAP is scheduling faceto-face appointments as well, following COVID-19 precautions. MAP on the MOVE will bring safe, in-person appointments to other locations in northeastern Oklahoma. When you call to schedule, be sure to ask for the most up-todate list of MAP satellite locations.
Services will still be provided by the experienced Medicare State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors from LIFE Senior Services. Watch LIFE’s Facebook page for updates and a live question & answer session at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 1.
OPEN ENROLLEMNT October 15 – December 7
To schedule your Part D comparison appointment, call (918) 664-9000 ext. 1189.
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BY LINDSAY MORRIS • PHOTOS BY PATRICK McNICHOLAS OF TIME–TRAVEL TULSA
HILLCREST
Time-Travel Tulsa photos by Patrick McNicholas merge the present with the past. Top photo: The Physicians & Surgeons Hospital opened in 1910 at Carson Avenue and 13th Street. Historical photo portion courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection. Above: Morningside Hospital was renamed Hillcrest Hospital in 1939. This image blends a 1950s view of Morningside with the now Hillcrest Medical Center on Utica near 11th Street. A s Tulsa hospitals experience a new set of challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an appropriate time to recall the history of healthcare in the city. Interestingly, another epidemic led to the establishment of the town’s original medical facility. In 1900, when Tulsa had a population of 1,390, a raging epidemic of smallpox led to the opening of the first hospital in the rough frontier town, according to the Tulsa County Medical Society.
Few private homes were large enough to isolate a smallpox patient from his family. Dr. Fred S. Clinton, a pioneering Oklahoma surgeon, and four other prominent Tulsans set up a contagion hospital in a six-room cottage near Archer and Greenwood streets. This first Tulsa hospital, which did not have a formal name, was packed for weeks with smallpox victims. At one time, more than 50 people were quarantined there.
HILLCREST MEDICAL CENTER
Morningside Hospital, the precursor of the modern-day Hillcrest Medical Center, came into existence in 1918 at the peak of a nationwide influenza epidemic that claimed thousands of lives. According to the Tulsa County Medical Society, a brick structure at 512 N. Boulder Ave. was purchased by a private corporation and hastily converted into a hospital to care for influenza victims. After the epidemic subsided, additional money was raised
HISTORY OF HEALING,
Continued On Page 16.
DR. FRED S. CLINTON
Dr. Clinton, a pioneering Oklahoma surgeon, and four other prominent Tulsans set up a contagion hospital in a six-room cottage near Archer and Greenwood streets. This first Tulsa hospital, which did not have a formal name, was packed for weeks with smallpox victims. Photo courtesy of Tulsa Historical Society
and used to remodel and better equip the hospital.
In 1924, Morningside expanded to an 80-bed hospital. Despite this expansion of the hospital, it was still inadequate to handle the volume of admissions. In 1925, the decision was made to build an entirely new structure at 16th Street and Utica Avenue. Morningside Hospital opened in its new location in 1928.
Beset by financial troubles in the depressionridden ‘30s, Morningside was reorganized as a community hospital in 1939 and renamed Hillcrest Hospital (later changed to Hillcrest Medical Center). Steve Landgarten, M.D., endocrinologist with Utica Park Clinic and former chief medical officer for Hillcrest HealthCare System, said healthcare began transforming after World War II as medicine became more specialized.
In tune with this transformation, Hillcrest committed to move into the era of specialized care in the 1960s and 1970s, Landgarten said.
“The hallmark of Hillcrest has been a commitment to do whatever the community needed to create the best possible medical care for the patients it serves,” he said.
This commitment resulted in the construction of a regional burn unit – The Alexander Burn Center; a hospital dedicated to women’s health – The Peggy V. Helmerich Women’s Health Center; a rehabilitation center – Kaiser Rehabilitation Center; a comprehensive diabetes education center – The Hillcrest Center for Diabetes Management; the state’s largest dedicated heart hospital – Oklahoma Heart Institute, and more.
Beginning in the 1980s, Hillcrest launched regional clinics, known as Utica Park Clinics. What started with six to eight medical specialists has grown to a robust chain of 284 providers at 70 clinics within a 70-mile radius of Tulsa, Landgarten said.
Hillcrest has also made a commitment to rural areas by opening or operating hospitals in Cushing, Poteau and Claremore.
In 2003, Hillcrest became affiliated with Ardent Health Services.
After more than a century of operating, Hillcrest is continuing to change healthcare, Landgarten said. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the healthcare system to move toward telehealth visits. “We’re not doing that for any other reason than to keep our patients safer,” Landgarten said.
SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEM
William K. Warren Sr. and Natalie Overall Warren had a vision for Tulsa and wanted to give back to the city that gave so much to them. On October 1, 1960, they opened Saint Francis Hospital as a small hospital with 275 beds on the outskirts of town.
“In 1960, our founders didn’t break ground on a new business at 61st and Yale – they planted a seed of service and benevolence. That seed has grown into a ministry that is a foundational pillar of eastern Oklahoma’s general well-being, the state’s leading health system and the region’s largest private employer,” said Jake Henry Jr., president and CEO of Saint Francis Health System.
The hospital continued to expand and in the 1970s grew to 735 beds and added services such as the Natalie Warren Bryant Cancer Center (now the Saint Francis Cancer Center), Tulsa Life Flight and a high-level neonatal intensive care unit.
Warren Clinic was established in Stillwater in January 1988 with three internal medicine physicians. Today, Warren Clinic has more than 450 primary care and specialty providers across eastern Oklahoma including locations in Vinita, Muskogee, Owasso, Coweta, Broken Arrow, Glenpool, Sand Springs and McAlester.
In 1989, The William K. Warren Foundation established Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital – a 90-bed private psychiatric facility recognized nationally for its eating disorders program. The Laureate Institute for Brain Research – the area’s premier brain research center – opened on the Laureate campus in 2009.
Today, the health system is anchored by Saint Francis Hospital, a 1,100-bed tertiary center, which includes a 162-bed children’s hospital with the region’s only level IV neonatal intensive care unit; a 168-bed heart hospital; and one of Tulsa's emergency centers. Also part of the health system is Saint Francis Hospital South, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee, Saint Francis Hospital Vinita and Saint Francis Glenpool. Saint Francis also operates a home care division, which includes hospice and home health.
Present day Saint Francis Medical Center at 61st and Yale in Tulsa.
The Kravis Building on East 19th Street remains a part of Ascension St. John today. Time-Travel Tulsa photo by Patrick McNicholas.
“As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our founding, I am confident our founders, Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, Sr., would be proud of what Saint Francis Health System has grown to become,” said Mr. Henry. “Today, their legacy is 10,500 women and men strong and committed to our mission of extending the presence and healing ministry of Christ – now and for generations to come.”
ASCENSION ST. JOHN
St. John Health System opened in 1926 by the Catholic Congregation Sisters of a Sorrowful Mother as a 50-bed hospital at 21st Street and Utica Avenue.
By 1968, St. John had grown to a total bed capacity of 600. A post-world War II building program, completed in 1957, saw the addition of two major wings, an automobile parkade, a physical services building and a residence for members of the Catholic Order.
St. John merged with Ascension in 2013. Ascension is the largest Catholic and nonprofit health care provider in the U.S.
Ascension St. John now operates six hospitals in northeastern Oklahoma, including Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Sapulpa, Bartlesville and Nowata. The health system employs nearly 6,000 people in the Tulsa area. Sources: Tulsa County Medical Society, Dr. Steve Landgarten , Jake Henry Jr., www.saintfrancis.com, Tulsa
County Medical Society and www.TulsaWorld.com
"In 1960, our founders didn’t break ground on a new business at 61st and Yale – they planted a seed of service and benevolence. That seed has grown into a ministry that is a foundational pillar of eastern Oklahoma’s general well-being, the state’s leading health system and the region’s largest private employer."
CONNECT WITH LIFE Q & A with LIFE’s SeniorLine Fridays at 2 p.m. Facebook LIVE on LIFE’s Facebook page
Join the discussion and submit questions to our SeniorLine team member, Sarah Tronnier, who is specially trained in aging services. (918) 664-9000 or ask questions online at www.LIFEseniorservices.org
WHEN TO BREAK UP WITH YOUR
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
Your physician is one of the most essential people in your life when it comes to your health. Your doctor should be someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing any health-related matter and whose knowledge you trust. You need a doctor who cares about your well-being and is accessible when you need one. Yet, sometimes, we fail to remember that a physician's main job is to service and treat patients to the best of the doctor's ability. If you feel that isn't happening, it's both your right and responsibility to your health to find a better fit. Still, choosing to leave your physician can be a big decision. So consider all of your options before making the big leap.
“A pattern of unresponsiveness to the medical concerns of the patient or their legal representative – or a pattern of failure to review the medical record prior to office visits may be reasons to find a new physician.”
– Tammy Brown, R.N.
1. Your doctor stopped taking your
insurance – Sometimes, physicians make changes to the coverages they accept and discontinue accepting specific insurance plans. Patients may also be affected if the practice cuts down on Medicare or
Medicaid patients or if their provider changes practices by either opening a new one or joining another.
2. Your situation has changed – Many life changes may leave you needing to leave your current physician. Maybe your insurance plan has changed because you got married, divorced or started a new job. Also, if you move, visiting your old doctor's office may be impractical or impossible.
3. Your physician is not meeting your
needs – There are many reasons why your doctor may not be the best match for you anymore. Perhaps you've developed a new medical condition that requires a more specialized background. You may also come to realize your doctor's treatment philosophy differs from yours. For example, you may prefer a more holistic approach or want a more definite diagnosis requiring testing your doctor is not willing or able to do.
4. It's challenging to get
appointments – If your physician is very busy making it difficult to schedule appointments when you need them, you may want to consider a new provider. Getting care when you need it is often vital. 5. It just doesn’t feel right – It's essential that patients trust their physicians, feel confident in their doctors' abilities and current knowledge, feel heard, can communicate openly without judgment and feel safe in their provider's care. If you don't have this experience with your doctor or just have a gut feeling that it isn't a good fit, listen to your instincts. When it comes to your health, you need to do what's best for you.
“A pattern of unresponsiveness to the medical concerns of the patient or their legal representative – or a pattern of failure to review the medical record prior to office visits may be reasons to find a new physician,” said Tammy Brown, R.N. and Montereau Retirement Community’s health services chief operating officer and administrator. “Also, a poor bedside manner where there’s the perception of not listening or lack of empathy.”
How to Find a New Physician
Once you decide to leave your current healthcare provider, you should begin your search for a new one immediately, even if you don't need to see one right away. It's often several weeks to several months for new patients to be seen. After your new patient visit, future appointments are typically scheduled in a reasonable time frame. When calling around, you might want to ask what is typical for scheduling appointments once you become an established patient.
1. List the Reasons You're Leaving – Before you begin your search, jot down the reasons you're leaving your current doctor. This can help you avoid those same problems in the future. Then make a list of what you want or expect from your new physician.
2. Select Physicians Within Your Insurance
Network – The first crucial step in your search is to narrow it to providers who take your insurance.
Otherwise, you won't be covered or may have to pay more out of pocket for your visits. On the other hand, if you can change insurance if necessary, you might consider physicians outside your insurance network. Your insurance provider can help you search for physicians and practices with whom they have an agreement. You can narrow your search to fit your criteria. Then contact doctors' offices directly to determine if they are a good match for you and are accepting new patients.
3. Research Potential Prospects – Once you've found a good fit, check your state's online licensing board website. Most providers can continue practicing despite problems in their history, including malpractice. If the doctor you're considering comes from another state, check that state's licensing board as well. You can also do an internet search for the doctor to see what information is available or read reviews. Online reviews are often unreliable, however, for many reasons. So don't put too much weight on them.
4. Conduct a Trial Run – There's no harm in trying out a new physician, or a few, before making a final decision.
If the doctor doesn't end up fitting your needs, you can always continue to search. Just be careful not to overdo the trials. You want to have a physician who knows you and your history, especially if you have particular health concerns. Seeing the same doctor will help ensure consistency in your treatment. Not to mention changing doctors can be a bit of a process because you'll need to transfer all of your health records and complete new patient paperwork.
5. Seek Recommendations – Tammy Brown, R.N., also recommends getting recommendations from trusted family and friends who have had positive experiences with their primary care physician.
When is it Time to See a Specialist?
Your primary care physician may not be able to meet all of your particular needs, requiring you to seek a specialist. The process of finding a specialist is similar to that of finding a new physician. However, you can also get recommendations or a referral from your primary care doctor. If you're confident in your doctor, this may be the best way to find a specialist you can trust.
Some conditions or situations for which you might want to see a specialist include:
• More complex chronic conditions • Rare or unique diseases or conditions • A life-changing diagnosis • Conditions that require specialized surgery or intervention • Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, glaucoma and cancer • Symptoms that aren't getting better or have returned repeatedly
If you are a senior with multiple chronic health conditions or have health concerns related to your age, you may be better served by seeing a specialist. In this case, you might want to see a geriatrician instead of, or in addition to, your primary care physician.
"A geriatrician is board certified in internal medicine or family practice, has completed a geriatric fellowship and passed the Geriatric Medicine Certification Exam,” said Tammy Brown, health services chief operating officer/administrator at Montereau Retirement Community.
Among many other conditions, geriatricians are "experienced in screening and recognizing mild cognitive impairment which may be some form of dementia that is oftentimes underdiagnosed,” she said.
A Head-to-Toe Guide to Annual Health Screenings
BY KAREN SZABO
Regular health exams and tests can often detect medical conditions in the early stages. Early detection is critical when treating illnesses like cancer and controlling chronic conditions, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Below is a head-to-toe guide of recommended routine screenings for men and women.
VISION
Doctors recommend annual eye exams if you wear corrective lenses, have a family history of eye disease or a medical condition that puts you at risk for eye disease, like diabetes. Otherwise, if you’re over 55, plan on an eye exam every one to three years.
HEARING
The American SpeechLanguage-Hearing Association’s guidelines recommend annual hearing tests for all adults beginning at age 60, regardless of whether or not you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss.
TEETH
To keep your teeth and gums healthy, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist once every six months. If you have pain, bleeding or swollen gums, don’t wait – make an appointment to see your dentist.
LUNG CANCER SCREENING
The USPSTF recommends an annual screening for lung cancer for adults over age 55 who have a history of smoking 30 packs or more a year, currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
DIABETES
The USPSTF recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose and Type 2 diabetes in adults 40 to 70 years of age who are overweight or obese and repeating testing every three years if results are normal. Higher risk individuals should be tested earlier and be screened more frequently.
BLOOD PRESSURE
If your blood pressure is normal (less than 120/80), the American Heart Association says you should get it checked whenever you see your doctor or at least once every two years. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may want to check it more frequently or ask you to check it at home.
COLORECTAL CANCER
Adults age 45 to 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Several screening tests can be used to find polyps or colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about which test is right for you and, if you’re over 75, whether or not you should be screened.
HEIGHT & WEIGHT
Your height and weight should be checked annually. As you age, height becomes more important as shrinking height could be a sign of osteoporosis.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES If you’re sexually active and consider yourself at risk for STDs, you should be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV and other infections. The USPSTF recommends screening all adults, ages 18 to 79 for hepatitis C virus (HCV), regardless of their risk factors.
CHOLESTEROL
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults have their cholesterol and other blood lipids checked every four to six years starting at age 20 – or more frequently if you have high cholesterol or are at risk for a heart attack.
SKIN CANCER
If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use tanning beds or have a family history of skin cancer, have a skin check whenever you notice concerning spots.
GENDER SPECIFIC HEALTH SCREENINGS
FOR WOMEN ONLY Bone Mineral Density
The USPSTF recommends starting routine screenings for osteoporosis at age 65 or earlier if you’re at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Mammogram
The American Cancer Society recommends mammography every year for women ages 45-54 and every 2 years for women ages 55 and older. If you're 50-69, talk with your health care provider about how often to get a mammogram. You should also perform a monthly breast self-exam at home.
Pap Test
Women ages 50-64 should get a Pap test every three years or a Pap test along with a human papillomavirus (HPV) test every 5 years. No testing is needed if you’ve had a hysterectomy and have no history of a high-grade precancerous lesion. Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they’ve had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have risk factors for cervical cancer such as smoking, a history of HPV, or a more advanced pre-cancer diagnosis should continue to be screened.
FOR MEN ONLY Prostate Cancer Screening
At age 50, men should discuss with their doctor whether they should be screened for prostate cancer and when that screening should happen. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that testing may be appropriate for some men age 55-69. African-American men and those with a close relative who had early-onset prostate cancer should consider an annual prostate exam beginning at age 40.
Testicular Cancer Screening
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 34 years, but it can occur at any age. The American Cancer Society reports about 8% of cases occur in men over 55. Risk factors include having an undescended testicle, abnormal testicle development and a family history of the disease. It's more common in white males and men who have been diagnosed with HIV. Some studies have found tall men have a higher risk of testicular cancer.
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