Dr. Llaguna

09/04/2026

My reflection on a patient’s question, “Where’s God now?” after a cancer diagnosis.

09/01/2026

08/28/2026

FDA Approves New Drug Durexonrazib for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough in Targeting RAS

RASInhibitor

08/25/2026

Why surgical oncology? It started as a technical ambition, but evolved into something much deeper…

08/14/2026

Today marked my last day with Memorial Healthcare System. I can’t believe seven years have gone by so quickly.

Starting next week, I begin a new chapter as Director of Surgical Oncology at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. While I’m genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead and the program we’ll build, leaving Memorial is bittersweet. These past seven years have been wonderful—I’ve forged friendships that will last well beyond today, and I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Gannon for welcoming me into his practice and trusting me to help shape our program.

All that I’ve learned at Memorial—in clinical care, program development, and leadership—will inform every decision I make going forward. Memorial will always hold a special place for me—my second home.

Here’s to new beginnings.

08/11/2026

Summer is officially over! Wishing the girls a great school year 📚✂️✏️🚌

08/02/2026

Epcot

04/03/2026

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is rising at an alarming rate among younger adults, increasing by about 3% each year in people ages 20 to 49. Once considered a disease that primarily affected older adults, it is now being diagnosed more frequently in people in their 30s and 40s.

Doctors say the shift is impossible to ignore. Dr. Omar Llaguna, a surgical oncologist with Memorial Healthcare System, has seen the change firsthand.

“Colon cancer rates are on the rise, but more importantly, it’s on the rise in younger patients. We’re seeing more people in their 40s and 50s, and even younger,” he said.

Because of that trend, screening guidelines have changed. Colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45, instead of 50. While no single cause has been identified, lifestyle factors may play a role.

“Over the last 40 to 50 years, there’s been a dramatic shift in what we eat,” Llaguna said.

The challenge is that early stages often come with no warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced—just as it was for Natalie.