According to the US Centres of Disease Control (CDC) about 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 36 will die of prostate cancer.

The prevalence of colon cancer adds to these grim figures. As the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the US, the American Cancer Society estimates that this year 143,460 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer. More than 51,600 will die from it.

While these are not local statistics, they do serve the purpose of showing us that every year, cancer affects millions by disrupting plans and changing the future for entire families. But even as it is almost impossible to find someone who hasn’t heard the word cancer, the disease remains almost indefinable. Because, regardless of medical advances, we are still not absolutely sure what triggers it or what cures it.

What we do know is that a healthy lifestyle and early detection and treatment do make a difference. This of course leaves us with only one course of action: Learning all the facts about risk factors, prevention and testing so we can make informed decisions on how to safeguard our health.

In this regard, I congratulate the Lions Club of Grand Cayman for taking the initiative of launching a public education campaign that focuses on the effects and possible prevention of diseases that primarily affect men’s health, starting with prostate, colon and testicular cancers. They are also raising funds for the fight against cancer, which is what this weekend’s Delano Hislop Memorial Run/Walk is all about.

We often take good health for granted, but those faced with the reality of a terminal illness such as cancer, will tell you that being healthy is indeed a big deal. They would also tell you that the in order to win the battle against cancer, collective action is needed. On this note I urge everyone to use this opportunity to do their part for the fight against cancer. Please go out this weekend and be part of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman’s Prostate and Colon Cancer Event.