A Lesson For All, Why You Get Screened

I'm writing this piece about a friend, a friend I've known for years.  Unlike me, they are more private about their story, but with my encouragement, they agreed to let me tell the story using another name, to protect their privacy.  It's the story that is really important because I goes straight to my point of early screening yields early detection and if detected, an easier treatment and cure.  Don't wait for cancer screening until something doesn't feel right, do it following American Cancer Society and your doctors guidance.  Early is better.

My friend Sam, an assumed name of my male or female friend, was in good health, and had been throughout their life.  During an annual physical, around 60 years of age, their doctor recommended a colonoscopy.  Ya, ya was the response, I'm in good health, I'm not going through all that... maybe someday later.  Of course, Sam may or may not have passed all this information to their spouse, who just happened to be an oncology nurse!

Fast forward another year and another annual physical.  Same story.  Doctor says you need a colonoscopy.  Sam says ya, ya, I feel good, I just don't want to go through all that stuff.  I think it was partially embarrassment many of us feel when thinking of a colonoscopy and have a team of people blowing air in our butt and sticking a camera up where the sun don't shine.  Admit it, all of us, boys and girls, have those parts in common, and colonoscopy serves us all well in the early detection of colon cancer.  In February 2018, cancer.org stated the overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women. This risk is slightly lower in women than in men. A number of other factors (described in Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors) can also affect your risk for developing colorectal cancer.  Same ending, I'll do it someday doc.

Third year annual physical and Sam stuck to the story of someday.  Doc asked if the spouse was in the waiting room.  No says Sam, you lie says the doc (who knows the spouse from them working together), heads out to get the spouse.  Sam tries to redirect them to another room, but is finally feeling trapped. OK, OK, Sam says, I'll do it, figuring that will get them off their back.  The colonoscopy gets scheduled and completed.  Sam says the doctor came in as he was waking up and started speaking in words most of us don't understand.  When Sam saw the look as the spouse turned white, Sam knew something bad was up, this is not good!

A large mass was found in the area around the cecum, where the appendix is or was, and near the connection of the large and small intestine.  There was a lot of concern and the need fr immediate surgery.  We now have similar scars running top to bottom of our gut, although I think mine looks better - said smiling.  Luckily for Sam, the tumor was contained and had not spread to the lymph glands.  Sam was nervous, as was I, and started putting things in order, just in case.  Luckily, no radiation, no chemo, just follow on checks.  It's been 2 years and things are looking good.

Who knows, colonoscopy sooner may have meant smaller tumor, easier surgery.  Early detection means easier recovery.  Get checked.  Love Sam and the nurse spouse, listen to the experts and get it done.

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