MetroSouth Medical Center’s summer campaign, entitled Tune-Up Time for Dads: Keeping the Man in Your Life Healthy is designed to heighted the awareness that men are significantly less diligent about routinely visiting their Family Medicine physician.  In fact, a recent study demonstrated that men in the United States have annual exams 24% less frequently than women, but are at increased risk of being hospitalized for preventative conditions.

As part of the Tune-Up campaign, the Family Medicine physicians, including Dr. Catherine Lindsay, want to educate men in Chicago’s Southland about the types of conditions that routine screenings can detect.  One of the most prevalent conditions that men need to address is colorectal cancer.   As the name suggests, colorectal cancer is cancer that grows in the colon or rectum.  It is the third most common type of cancer found in men, following prostate and lung cancer.  145,000 of new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year and over 49,000 people die of the condition each year.

While the exact cause of colorectal cancer is unknown, certain factors do predispose people to developing the condition.  These risk factors include:

• Age:  Colorectal cancer is significantly more prevalent in the population over 50 years of age.
• Polyps: Polyps, or abnormal growths on the colon or rectum inner wall, are typically benign, but experts believe colorectal cancer develops within them.
• Personal history: Patients with a history of colorectal cancer are more at risk for developing it again.
• Family history: Patients with close family members with colorectal cancer are more at risk.
• Presence of ulcers in the colon and Crohn’s disease
• Diet & exercise: There is some evidence those with a diet heavy in red and processed meats as well as a sedentary lifestyle are more at risk.
• Smoking: Smokers are at increased risk.

Screening is critical to beating this disease.  Removal of abnormal cell growths and/or polyps can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer.  Furthermore, early detection of colorectal cancer significantly improves survivorship rates.

Dr. Lindsay recommends that all men undergo colorectal cancer screening after the age of 50.  For patients at low risk, the screening should be repeated every 10 years.  Patients with a higher risk of colorectal cancer from family history or presence of polyps, for example, might initiate screenings before reaching 50 years of age and should undergo repeat screenings every two-three years, depending upon discussions with their physician.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lindsay or another Family Medicine physician at MetroSouth Medical Center, please call 708 489-7925.

An aortic aneurysm is a “blister” on the wall of the aorta, the main artery of the chest and abdomen.  This blister or aneurysm can form because of a progressive weakening of the aortic wall which results in a “ballooning” of the vessel.  If these aneurysms go undetected and untreated, they can be deadly.  In fact, abdominal aneurysms are the 13^th leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 15,000 people each year.  More than 50% of patients experiencing a ruptured aortic aneurysm do not survive.

Consequently, early detection of this condition is critical.  Specific known risk factors allow Family Medicine physicians to appropriate screen for aortic aneurysms.  Men are at four times higher risk for developing these than women, and 75% of aortic aneurysms are found in patients who have smoked at some point during their lifetime.  Aortic aneurysms are easy to detect with a non-invasive ultrasound screening that is covered by Medicare and is recommended for men between the ages of 65-75 who have ever smoked. 

Dr. Mario Piverger who sees patients at the MetroSouth clinic in South Holland, urges everyone to understand the risks that undetected aortic aneurysms can present to their fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other men in their lives.  If you know of a man who has every smoked – even if they don’t smoke today – and is between 65 and 75 years of age, get them to a qualified physician for the routine ultrasound screening. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Piverger or another MetroSouth Family Medicine physician in South Holland, Blue Island, Alsip or Morgan Park, call 708 489-7925.  All men visiting a MetroSouth physician before Labor Day will receive a free gift as well as a men’s health screening organizational tool which can be used for years to come.