South Miami-Dade Grandfather Takes Steps to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
Jimmie Henley was not particularly proactive about his annual health checkups; that is, until he reached the age that he decided to retire. Though he had a family history of cancer, he even neglected, and simply didn’t worry about taking preventive measures such as check-ups that help with early detection of cancer. One of them, a colonoscopy, is recommended for men in their 50s.
A colonoscopy is a procedure during which a doctor checks the inside of the large intestine, or colon, to detect early signs of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States – second for men and third for women. However, early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.
It’s true that at age 73 Henley had shown none of the symptoms of colorectal cancer, such as a change in bowel habits or rectal bleeding. However he was fortunate, because by the time he received his first colonoscopy at Jackson South Community Hospital, colorectal surgeon Henry J. Lujan, MD, FACS, FASCRS, found that Henley had developed a large polyp that needed to be removed.
“Cancers usually begin as small growths in the colon known as polyps,” said Dr. Lujan. “They are precancerous lesions that should be removed before they have a chance to become cancer.”
The results of his colonoscopy, however, were a wake-up call for Henley, a husband, father, and grandfather of four.
“My family and I became concerned with the findings,” said Henley. “But I felt I could trust Dr. Lujan and my faith told me he knew what to do.”
Once admitted to Jackson South, Dr. Lujan used state-of-the art technology in the form of minimally invasive robotic colorectal surgery to remove the large polyp. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System allows the physician to manipulate interactive robotic arms that perform delicate and complex operations through tiny incisions while he looks at a high definition, three dimensional vision system.
The surgery was a success, and after just two days in the hospital, Henley went home. He was quickly able to return to the activities he enjoys – fishing, cooking, and traveling with his family.
Jimmie Henley praises both the medical care and the hospitality that he received at Jackson South.
“I felt like I was in a hotel at Jackson South,” he said. “The attention was nice from all the staff and I appreciated that it was close to my house.”
Healthy and happy, Henley now promotes awareness of colorectal cancer, reminding others of the importance of early detection through routine colonoscopies.
“I want people to become more aware of colorectal cancer and know that it can be prevented,” he said. “I feel really good and confident now that I am living cancer-free. I’ve been alive to see four of my grandchildren grow up and attend their college graduations.”