This year's informational presentation on testicular cancer for Garden City High School senior boys was made possible by (left to right): Mrs. Eileen Wyremski, R.N., senior Kevin O'Brien, presenter Mr. David Ollendike, senior Tyler Hancock, and Mrs. Karen Boelsen, R.N. Garden City High School senior boys recently attended the annual Men's Health Awareness Program in the high school library. This seminar was coordinated by the high school nurses, Mrs. Eileen Wyremski, R.N. and Mrs. Karen Boelsen, 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 Kevin O'Brien and Tyler Hancock. The guest speaker was Mr. David Ollendike, a testicular cancer survivor, who played lacrosse for Garden City High School prior to his graduation in 1991. Since his diagnosis and treatment for testicular cancer 18 years ago, David is dedicated to educating young men about testicular cancer and the importance of early detection. He returns to Garden City High School every year to address our senior male students. The program 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 the 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.