In honor of our brothers, uncles, sons, dads and other great men who are fathers, let's encourage an out of the box conversation with them.

The talk would go something like this, ' ____, I love you, and because I want you around, we need to talk. When was your last health check-up or screening?' Whaddya think? Will it go over? I think so. To guide you, here are some suggestions for screenings that are arranged by age group. Feel free to use these as a guideline or create your own. Just get the conversation going. Talk about...

20's-Testicular Cancer Testicular cancer, although rare is a leading killer of young men between 20 and 34 from a cancer-related death. It typically presents as a painless lump or mass, scrotal enlargement or a sensation of abdominal heaviness. Risk factors are being a young age, having a history of undescended testes, and is more common in white males. Ask your doctor to teach you how to perform a self-exam.

30's-Skin Cancer Exposure to midday sun, and poor UV protection are risks factors for melanoma. Melanomas are twenty times more common in whites than blacks and four times more common in whites than Hispanics. Still, everyone is at risk. Wearing sunscreen daily and clothes that protect UV rays can help prevent skin cancer. Be aware of moles that have irregular borders or change their shape or color.

40's-Prostate Cancer Being a black male is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer. Other risk factors are increased alcohol usage, a diet that is high in fats and a family history of prostate cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Talk to your health care provider about screening tests and your individual risks in your forties.

50's- Colon Cancer Eighty percent of colon cancer comes from polyps. These polyps can be seen and treated with a colonoscopy. Individuals with a first-degree relative who developed colon cancer prior to age 60 may be at an increased risk for colon cancer. It is very important that you discuss your risk factors and what age you should have your first colonoscopy. Some may recommend a colonoscopy prior to age 50.

60's-Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer is two to three times more common in men than women. It is unusual to develop before the age of 50. Good screening involves regular doctor's appointments, and routine urine tests and a bladder tumor antigen. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of bladder cancer.

70's-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk factors are being older than 65 and male, smoking, hypertension, increased cholesterol and diabetes. Males have an increased risk. An abdominal ultrasound is a good screening tool, and in some cases a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be indicated.

80's- Major Depression Getting depressed is not a normal part of aging. It is important to identify and treat older men who are depressed. Men, 85 and older have a higher risk of suicide than the general population. Two simple questions can serve as a screening tool. They are asking these questions, (1) under the past two weeks, have your felt down, depressed to hopeless, (2) under the past tow weeks, have you little interest in doing things that bring you pleasure.

So, under your loving signature, add a screening tip as part of your father's day wishes.