June is National Cancer Survivor Month and Men’s Health Month

Matt Brooks: Matt Brooks here on X101 Always Classic, in for another edition of the Cancer Prevention Segment with the CSP Program of Cayuga, Cortland, and Tompkins Counties. With me, of course, Courtney Maxson, Senior Public Health Educator from the Cortland County Health Department. It’s just about summer. How’s your June going so far?

Courtney Maxson: It’s going great.

Matt Brooks: We actually have two things to talk about in this segment. First off, June is National Cancer Survivor Month. Although we’re not talking about a specific type of cancer like we usually do, it is really important to acknowledge those who are in the fight and fighting cancer on a day-to-day basis.

Courtney Maxson: Yes, absolutely. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these tough times, and your family as well. Cancer survivorship is super important to look at. My mom is a cancer survivor, so, yeah, Mom!

Matt Brooks: Whether you’re currently battling cancer or in remission, everyone’s a survivor. Congratulations on doing the fight that, unfortunately, you’re forced to make.

Courtney Maxson: Absolutely.

Matt Brooks: We have another topic, and you can’t rag on me this year because I am going to the doctor! It is also Men’s Health Month. Courtney, we gotta get these men to the doctor.

Courtney Maxson: I’m so proud of you for going. It only took three years. I’m proud.

Matt Brooks: You gotta start somewhere. Whether you have a primary physician or you don’t and have to look one up, it is important. At the end of the day, all you’ve got is your health, and it’s really important.

Courtney Maxson: Absolutely. Men, if you haven’t gone to the doctor in several years, now is the time to make an appointment with your primary care. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can contact me or Google primary care for Cortland County. Also, prostate screening is important at certain ages, and colon cancer screening starts at 45.

Matt Brooks: As a male who recently started going back to the doctor, one of the hardest points was that first step of realizing, “I haven’t been to a doctor in seven years, and I don’t even have a doctor anymore. Let me look at the list.” You see all these people who are fantastic at their jobs, but you don’t know where to start. Courtney, whether they’re looking for a primary care physician, looking to get screened for colon cancer, or scheduling a prostate exam, how do they get a hold of you?

Courtney Maxson: Give me a call at the Health Department at 607-758-5523. If you have questions or want to enroll in the program, we also have an online form on our county page at CortlandCountyNY.gov.

Matt Brooks: It’s the hardest but most important step—that first step. I know it might be intimidating or scary, but regardless of the reason, you got to do it because you need to be healthy.

Courtney Maxson: Absolutely. I’m really proud of you for going. The first step can be hard to make, but after that, it gets a little easier.

Matt Brooks: Once the wheels start moving, everything becomes generally easier. You’re not scheduling an appointment; you’re rescheduling a follow-up. We are running out of time, unfortunately, Courtney. One last time, what is the contact information if they need to get a hold of you?

Courtney Maxson: My number is 607-758-5523, or you can look us up on CortlandCountyNY.gov for the Cancer Services Program.

Matt Brooks: Awesome. I’ll see you in a month, Courtney.

Courtney Maxson: Sounds great.

Matt Brooks: This is X101 Always Classic. I’m Matt Brooks.