Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death. You may be thinking that it could never happen to you because you eat right, you’re active and fit – you consider yourself to be a real Weekend Warrior.

Deron Lacy, 44, used to think that way too until his older brother and his mother were both diagnosed with precancerous colon polyps some two decades ago. At age 30 Lacy visited Florida Hospital East Orlando for his own exam. It was here, 14 years ago, his worst fear was confirmed – he had colon polyps and they needed to be removed. Fortunately, the clinical team at the hospital was able to quickly remove the polyps and send Lacy back to his family. “Deron came in and we actually did a fairly routine procedure,” says Dr. Keith Moore, chief of staff and a gastroenterologist for Florida Hospital East Orlando. “That’s when we found and removed the polyps – sometimes there are no symptoms and sometimes, like Deron, the problem can run in the family.”

Since then, Lacy has had regular colonoscopies because of his family history and has had polyps removed as recently as last year. “Obviously it’s not a fun thing to do, but you have to take care of yourself otherwise you’re not going to be around to see your kids grow up,” Lacy says. But, the incredible thing, says Dr. Moore, is the fact that the cancer can be prevented in just a few minutes, like it was for Lacy. “You look at so many types of cancer and treatments and all of them are designed to find it as early as possible, but it’s still cancer. With colon polyps we are talking about preventing the disease before it becomes cancer in just 15 minutes – it’s pretty amazing.”

There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, such as taking a multi-vitamin or a calcium supplement, says Dr. Moore, but the most important thing to remember is that even if the risk is reduced it will never go down to zero. “Going to the doctor is absolutely the best thing,” says Dr. Moore. “The main risk factor is age – we start checking around 45 or 50 unless a family history dictates otherwise and you never want to wait until you feel symptoms.”

This test is just one example of regular screenings and exams that men should adopt into their yearly health check. The Men’s Health Program at Florida Hospital East Orlando is designed to highlight the top men’s health concerns and outline regular screenings for men to maintain optimal health. “The idea of the Men’s Health Program is to alert people to the specific issues that men have and the importance of men establishing a relationship with a physician who they can talk to openly and see on a regular basis for their health checks,” says Dr. Moore. “The more people know we’re here and that it’s okay to ask for help, the more lives we save.” Lacy agrees: “I may have been scared straight into my initial test due to my family history, but now I go regularly to see Dr. Moore because I know he is watching out for me. I’m here and healthy today for my kids because we’ve been diligent in catching it before it becomes cancer,” he says. “I feel so welcomed when I’m at Florida Hospital East Orlando and they really do try to make it the best possible experience. We are so blessed to have such an incredible facility and staff in our community.”

Today, thanks to the Florida Hospital East Orlando staff and their Men’s Health Program, Lacy is back to health and thoroughly enjoying spending time with the people that mean the most to him. He offers this advice to men everywhere: “Men need to get checked out and leave their pride at the door,” he says. “You do it for your family if nothing else.”

<!– @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

In honor of National Men’s Health Week, join Florida Hospital East Orlando at the Firkin & Kegler for the 2009 Men’s Health Challenge on Sunday June 14 for your free health and wellness screening.

Screenings Include:

• Blood Pressure

• Body Mass Index

• Cholesterol

• Colorectal Screening Kits

• Golf Injury Assessment

• Grip Strength

• Heart Screening (EKG)

• Joint Screening

• Massage

• Prostate Screening

An appointment is necessary. To schedule your free screening call 407.303.1700 today.

Article by Corey Gehrold