Attending the health forum were large numbers of community members, Medical doctors, cancer survivors, their friends and family, members of sororities and fraternities all with smiling faces, warm hugs, and strong handshakes.

Accompanying a hearty meal were six television monitors all displaying documentaries on breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. The forum was also graced by the presence of the infamous Polypman who hushed the room portraying a polyp in a quiet and secretive manner (no symptoms) road to cancer.

The forum featured many speakers including WLAJ health reporter, Collette Stinge; Noah Smith, American Cancer Society; Dr. Lisa Newman, Director of University of Michigan Breast Cancer Center; Roni Rucker Waters, Lansing Design Team ICOAA; and Lonnie Johnson, Black Men Inc.

The American Cancer Society introduced a "Tell-A-Friend" kit. This kit is used for networking the awareness of breast cancer through at least five women at a time. Breast cancer is the leading form of women's cancer and the second deadliest. If detected by a mammogram and treated early enough, breast cancer is 97% survivable. Women aged 20-39 should perform self breast exams monthly and have a clinical exam every three years.

Some disturbing facts about colorectal cancer include the following: it is the second leading cancer killer, it often starts with no symptoms, both men and women can develop colorectal cancer. The good news is, this cancer can be stopped before it starts by annual screening.

Another special guest was Dr. Clarence Underwood, retired MSU Athletic Director and proud survivor of prostate cancer. He shared his story of the importance of getting screened with a PSA, rectal test, and an ultrasound. "I was in complete disbelief when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially since I'd been getting screened on a yearly basis. It's all about getting the right screenings," said Underwood. He emphasized that along with a PSA and a rectal exam, an ultrasound is also important. Underwood's first two screenings were negative. He then took a friend's advice on including an ultrasound in his yearly exams. After having an ultrasound, he tested positive for prostate cancer and proceeded to have a biopsy.

The message to be learned is that screening can find pre-cancerous polyps that can quickly be removed before they transform into cancer.

Women 40 or older should get a mammogram. Men should do the same if they are 40 or over. Men should talk to their doctor about getting their PSA tested, have a rectal exam, and an ultrasound. Make these tests part of the common yearly exams. You never know, you may detect something you can treat right away and continue on with life.

Because life, yes, you deserve it.