Dr. William Jackson talks with Ken Ard on Wake Up Carolina about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Dr. William Jackson with McLeod Vascular Associates and Lisa McDonald, Director of Cancer Coordination, were guests on the Wake Up Carolina Live 95 Radio Show with Ken Ard on September 26.

A McLeod Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Jackson educated listeners on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), a ballooning in the main blood vessel in the body. He discussed with Ard the biggest risk factors for AAA are smoking and family history. For patients with an aneurysm, Dr. Jackson recommended that their relatives be screened for aneurysms as well.  He explained that screenings are performed with an ultrasound of the abdomen, looking at the aorta to identify if there is an aneurysm present. Dr. Jackson added that patients with AAA would be referred to a Vascular Surgeon for treatment and follow-up care.

McDonald talked with Ard about the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research. She described the accreditations achieved by the Cancer Center and the technology available in the community so patients do not have to travel away from home for treatment. McDonald added that with Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up, women should schedule their annual mammogram. She also explained the benefits of 3D Mammography which is available at McLeod Regional Medical Center, McLeod Health Dillon and on the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit. This technology will soon be installed at McLeod Health Clarendon, McLeod Health Cheraw and McLeod Health Seacoast.