You may see a lot more men with facial hair this month. It’s all part of a global effort to raise awareness about men’s health throughout November. According to a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the life expectancy for men at birth is 75.1, about five years less than for women. There are several reasons for this gap including a man’s reluctance to act when he doesn’t feel physically or mentally well. There’s also a lack of understanding when it comes to testicular and prostate cancer.
Urology has been an important specialty of Gifford’s for many years. Gifford Urologist, Dr. J. Andrew Dreslin sees a lot of progressive issues with his male patients, meaning those issues get worse over time.
“So the sooner someone can get evaluated and treated, the outcome will be better,” Dr. Dreslin said. “Some of the diagnoses we see need urgent evaluation and intervention and I feel we can provide that.”
With most referrals, a patient can be seen by our urology department between two to three weeks. For urgent matters, a patient can be seen that day or within the week.
“As a community hospital, that’s an important opportunity to offer,” Dreslin said.
For a prostate cancer screening, we recommend an annual blood test called a PSA along with a prostate exam. This is an identified screening test that has been shown to improve long-term health. We typically recommend men start the screenings at the age of 55, but if there’s a family history or a history of other urological issues, we may think about starting the screening earlier.
“With prostate cancer, there’s really no symptoms until it’s more advanced, which is why we recommend screening in patients not showing any symptoms,” Dr. Dreslin said.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as the constant need to urinate or if there’s blood in your urine, you should contact your primary care provider. Dr. Dreslin sites the role of Gifford’s primary care providers as an important one.
“Primary care does a great job of educating,” Dr. Dreslin said. “They are very good at initiating discussion and referring patients who have an issue or a family history.”
Generally, referrals are provided to the nurse at the specialty clinic, who prioritizes the referrals based on the need for care. Blood tests are usually arranged before the visit, so when the patient does come in, the urology department has all the information it needs to make the right evaluation and recommendation.
The key with prostate cancer, much like any other disease or illness, is recognizing it early so it can be treated. Every mustache, beard, or both you see this month serves as that reminder.
“I think we see a good volume throughout the year when it comes to men’s issues,” Dr. Dreslin said. “The awareness around November helps encourage that.”
Dr. Dreslin works out of our main campus in Randolph ,(802) 728-2430, and our location in Berlin, (802) 229-2325.
