Over the years, I feel like sometimes my body is just a cancer road map after being diagnosed with both colon and skin cancers six years ago at the age of 50. I was shocked to learn that on average every person is born with less than 3% of cancer cells in their body and that is considered normal levels.Those just are not active cells, but when they are its like the awakening of a sleeping monster.
About 25 years ago, a doctor told me during an annual physical that an undescended testicle could be cancerous, and I should have it removed. He said that I could have cancer present in my body with no symptoms. He also informed me that it was my decision and told me of the risk of not removing it could lead to it becoming cancerous. I decided to undergo surgery to remove it and the biopsy found no cancer. An MRI procedure also showed no cancer spread and ruled out testicular cancer. That was the first time I ever heard the word cancer.
Over the years, I have had friends, colleagues and family members die from the disease.So many people are impacted by cancer in some way, either as a patient or caregiver. I honestly was shocked when I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer six years ago after a routine colonoscopy that found a 10-cm tumor in the sigmoid region of my colon. My oncologist also noticed a spot on my face that I could only describe as a hard irritated pimple. He advised me to visit a dermatologist to get screened. The spot on my face was determined to be a form squamous cell carcinoma. The summer of 2018 quickly became known as my “Summer of Cancer” as I underwent procedures to remove both cancers.
Today, I continued to do follow-up screenings for all the cancers I have spoken about above, as well as my annual PSA for prostate cancer screening as part of my annual physical. All of this is done to keep the cancer from invading my body any further. I also spend much of my time speaking and advocating for men to do the same.
I am proud to say that today I’m the COO of an organization called Man Up to Cancer that encourages men to get screened for the prevention and early detection of cancer. Our No. 1 mission is that men who are diagnosed with cancer choose not to self-isolate while battling the disease. Studies show that a patient’s mental well-being can impact their approach and overall treatment of their cancer. They don’t have to face this disease alone because we have a Facebook group called The Howling Place group with almost 3,000 male members. This is where men can receive peer to peer emotional support in the battle with cancer. We also have additional programs for our members such as a chemo care backpack program, regional chapter groups for local meet ups and an annual retreat. All of this is to support patients, so they don’t have to face cancer alone.
If you know a man facing a cancer diagnosis and needing support, send them our way. My email box is always open. To learn more about our programs visit our website manuptocancer.org
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