Geraldo Reyes Jr

I'm promoting a new initiative to spread awareness around men’s health and specifically prostate cancer. Rep. Dave Yaccarino, former Rep. Chris Ziogas, and I have all served in the Connecticut House of Representatives while dealing with prostate cancer.

I credit my insurance, my doctors, and science for probably saving my life. My journey started when my insurance basically forced me to get a men's health screening. I was apprehensive and pushed it off because my test two years earlier showed a clean bill of health. I eventually learned of my cancer diagnosis and took every step to protect and preserve my health.

I had to wait 14 months from the time I was diagnosed until the operation in July. I'm now recovering and vowing to help other men be more aware of the risks of not going to their check-ups. There are many benefits to screening for things like prostate cancer. Trust your doctors, your bodies, and your family history.

A routine test at my physical determined I had prostate cancer.

Former Rep. Chris Ziogas learned that he had prostate cancer about two years ago from a yearly physical. He did not have any symptoms. He encourages everybody to go out and get those exams because it could save your life. Click on the image below to watch his speech.

Rep. Sarah Keitt has a similar message after losing her father, who was a doctor, to prostate cancer more than 10 years ago. According to Rep. Keitt, her father often ignored his own health to take care of his patients.

Rep. Keitt encourages men to go to their screenings to support their families.

Dr. Manisha Juthani, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, explains that men should be more open about their health struggles in moments of crisis because they can get emotional support from their peers. Neither Rep. Yaccarino, nor Rep. Ziogas, nor I were aware of each other’s battles with cancer for many months.

Dr. Juthani encourages men to talk to their doctor about which tests you should be taking at your check-up.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 112 prostate cancer cases in Connecticut in 2020, and there are 2,680 new cases for every 100,000 men in the state.

Please use the tools that we have at our disposal to protect you and your family's health.