Left to right: Eileen Wyremski, R.N.; Garden City High School students Tom Flatley, Roger Mancus, Steven Scarola, and Andrew Cauchi; Robert D'Esposito, M.D.; and Garden City High School student David Ollendike at the annual Men's Health Program. The Garden City High School senior boys attended the annual Men's Health Awareness Program on March 29, 2007, in the school library. This seminar was coordinated by the high school nurse, Mrs. Eileen Wyremski, R.N. The educational program focused on testicular cancer education and the importance of testicular self-examination.

The seminar was opened with an introduction by seniors Luke Mitchell and Justin Kirschner. This was followed by presentations from Dr. Robert D'Esposito and David Olendike. David, a testicular cancer survivor, played lacrosse for Garden City High School and graduated in 1991. Since his diagnosis and treatment for testicular cancer 11 years ago, David is dedicated to educating young men about testicular cancer and the importance of early detection.

Dr. Robert D'Esposito is the medical director for the Garden City School District. He is a practicing urologist, and his office is located on Franklin Avenue in Garden City. The presentations included a film from the American Cancer Society on testicular self-examination. A question and answer period followed the presentation.

Testicular cancer will strike over 8,000 men this year, most of them between the ages of 15 and 44. An undescended testicle or a family history of the disease raises your risk more; so does being Caucasian. When caught early enough, testicular cancer can be cured. The five year survival rate for localized stage is 99%. Left undetected, though, it can spread to other parts of the body - in Lance Armstrong's case, to the lungs and brain. Testicular cancer is considered one of the most curable cancers if detected and treated early. Early detection is possible by monthly testicular self-examination.