Florida Doctor North November 2011 : Page 29
prostate screening is appro-priate for you,” states Dr. Ackerman. Statistically speak-ing about 217,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year and it claims 32,000 lives. Compared with prostate cancer, testicular cancer is rare. However, it is the most common form of cancer in American men ages 15 and 24. Symptoms can include a lump in the testicle or pain and discomfort in the scro-tum. The Mayo Clinic guide-lines advise men to make an appointment with their doctor if they notice any of the symptoms, especially if they persist for longer than two weeks. Even if the lump is not painful, professional follow-up is still advised since only a small amount of testicular cancers are pain-ful from the outset. Overall, testicular cancer is one of the most treatable and curable cancers if caught early. The survival rate for men with early-stage seminoma, which is the least aggressive type of testicular cancer, is greater than 95 percent. Increasing awareness on men’s health issues would be further enhanced by lower-ing men’s fear of going to a doctor. It is common knowl-edge that men are reluctant to seek medical advice. The reasons have not been clearly elucidated by research. It cannot be because men are typically healthier than women (we live an average of seven years less) -and it is not because men know everything (sports, tools and cars does not equal every-thing). “Men’s health awareness is important since health statis-tics have identified men with earlier death compared to women. The majority of men ignore signs and symptoms that may suggest medical conditions that need atten-tion. When those symptoms are ignored, it has potential for increased morbidity and mortality which can impact the entire family,” says Hank C. Hill, M.D., surgical oncol-ogist with 21st Century of Jacksonville. Dr. Hill urges both men and women to recognize the importance of health. To encourage men to make health a number one priority 21st Century Oncology of Jacksonville has planned a public ser-vice campaign set to run on 1010XL during the month of November. Listen to 1010XL during November for tips on cancer prevention. 21st Century Oncology doctors will be discussing cancers affecting men including tes-ticular, prostate, breast, lung and colon cancers. The prac-tice will finish the month discussing the emotional aspects of a cancer diagno-sis. The oncology practice will also host a Shave Party at end of the month at Black Finn Restaurant (see sidebar for details). Dr. Chris Rathburn, of Memorial Hospital, encour-ages his male patients to take an active role in their health when they come in to see him. If they have avoided the doctor for years Dr. Rathburn aims to establish a baseline level of health when he finally faces them. “I really go through a complete review of systems from top to bottom,” states Dr. Rathburn. He will exam-ine personal medical his-tory, family history as well as their social history. “The initial visit is what gives me a baseline of everything and what to look for.” Among other things, Dr. Rathburn is screening for heart disease when review-ing histories. “Coronary artery disease is still one of the biggest killers of men, and women,” states Dr. Rathburn. Factors such as high blood pressure, dia-betes, tobacco use, obesity and a family history place individuals at risk for the disease. “These people unfortunately have a greater disposition towards coro-nary artery disease and vas-cular disease.” Prevention is always the best medicine but it is still good to have a profes-sional assess where you are on your road to health. “If somebody is in really good health and they are not on medication or do not have any risk factors then I still would do a yearly physical. I always tell them if there are any changes, call me,” states Dr. Rathburn. Face it men, on the road to health it is wise to stop and ask for directions. If its November, then ask some-one with a mustache. 21st Century OnCOlOgy Of JaCksOnville shave Party November 30, 2011 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Black Finn Restaurant Prestige Barber Shop will be onsite providing services. “For men who are at average risk we recommend a digital rectal exam and a PSA test annually after the age of 50. If a man is at high risk; meaning if he is either African American or has a relative with a history of prostate cancer, he should review with his physician about prostate cancer screening beginning at age 40.” — Scot Ackerman, M.D. www . beson 4 media . com •••• november 2011 29
Publication List
Using a screen reader? Click Here