Two months after undergoing an 11-hour surgery for stage 3 colon cancer, Antiguan reggae artiste Causion remains positive despite his life-threatening health challenges. He is imploring men, especially Caribbean males, to get screened for the disease.

Causion, who turned 55 in June, was diagnosed in November 2019. It has transformed his life — from changes in medical care and diet to relations with his family.

His message encouraging men to get screened, however, is consistent. Since his diagnosis, he has reached out to relatives and friends to seek early screening for an illness that once detected early, can be rectified.

“I found that if I had done it a long time ago, things would have been different, but I didn’t. It’s time for us to change our mindset and start to look closer at having these conversations,” Causion told the Jamaica Observer.

The South Florida-based artiste first had those “conversations” with a friend during his early 30s. He ignored advice to get a colonoscopy, something which he regrets, but hopes his message will reach the ears of the unconvinced.

“At this stage, information is the power to everything,” he stated.

Data for Caribbean men and colon cancer is stark. In 2021, the Jamaica Cancer Society reported that it was the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.

In Trinidad and Tobago, statistics are similar.

Recently, reggae lost musician Denver “Feluke” Smith to colon cancer. The percussionist died at age 43 in September 2020.

Many Caribbean men reportedly shy from colonoscopies because the procedure entails inserting an instrument in the anus.

“We as West Indian men tend not to want to do certain tests because of the homophobic things attached to it, but we’re doing ourselves a huge injustice by not going and check these things out,” said Causion.

Born Gregory Bailey, he has been a fan of reggae since his youth, listening to bands like Third World, with whom he has toured the United States and Europe. He has recorded four albums to date and is currently working with the Antiguan Government on its ‘Antigua Me Come From’ campaign.

Before he headed into surgery in May, the father of three children recalls saying a prayer.

“I went in with a state of mind that I am at peace with my maker,” Causion declared, adding that, “I’m mindful that I’m going to need assistance for the rest of my life but the important thing is, I’m still here.”