Giant Colon Makes Appearance at Moffitt Cancer Center’s Free Men’s Health Forum
TAMPA, Fla. — For many reasons — lack of insurance, awareness or access to doctors — a growing number of men in the Tampa Bay area don’t have access to regular health care services. That’s why each year, Moffitt Cancer Center and its community partners team up to host the annual Men’s Health Forum.
The free event is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the University of South Florida Marshall Student Center. This marks the 18th year for the forum and the first time it will coincide with Moffitt’s Colorectal Awareness Event, which is open to men and women. Come take a spin through a giant inflatable colon and learn more about colorectal health. The Men’s Health Forum is a shared effort by area hospitals, health care organizations, churches, community organizations, and businesses to provide help to men, 18 and older, who are uninsured, underinsured, or do not have a regular health care provider.
“The Men’s Health Forum is a wonderful opportunity for men in and around the Tampa Bay area to learn about cancer prevention and get appropriate screenings for a number of health-related issues,” says Dr. B. Lee Green, vice president of Diversity, Public Relations and Strategic Communications. “It is a way for health care professionals to work directly with men who may otherwise not have access to quality health care.”
This year, Bucs alum and Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson is expected to appear from 9 to 11 a.m.
The Men’s Health Forum will feature 50 exhibitors. Attendees will have access to free health screenings, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS/STI, skin cancer and more.
At the 2017 Men’s Health Forum, nearly 400 men completed 2,200-plus exams that are critical to health and longevity.
- Of 395 men examined, 60 percent were uninsured or underinsured
- Of 304 men tested, 46 percent had pre-hypertension and another 28 percent had high blood pressure
- 82 men were educated on the importance of prostate testing and received vouchers for free prostate testing at Moffitt Cancer Center
- Of 214 men receiving skin cancer exams, 24 percent had suspicious skin findings and needed further follow-up by a physician
- Of 295 men tested, 15 percent were identified as at-risk for diabetes
Sponsors of the Men’s Health Forum include Moffitt Cancer Center, The Wawa Foundation, New York Yankees, Tampa General Hospital, Tobacco Free Florida AHEC Cessation, Florida Blue, Genesis 680 AM, WMNF 88.5 FM, The Urban Cafe, HART and Calvary Community Clinic
Click here to see photos of Jackson’s appearance at the 2016 Men’s Health Forum.
For video of last year’s event, click here.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt is dedicated to one lifesaving mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. The Tampa-based facility is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s scientific excellence, multidisciplinary research, and robust training and education. Moffitt is a Top 10 cancer hospital and has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1999. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. Moffitt’s expert nursing staff is recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center with Magnet® status, its highest distinction. With more than 5,700 team members, Moffitt has an economic impact in the state of $2.1 billion. For more information, call 1-888-MOFFITT (1-888-663-3488), visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
