⨠My 40-Day Colonoscopy Journey
Since April 26, Iâve experienced firsthand over the past 6 weeks why early detection matters.
When cancer is found at an early stage, survival rate can reach 90â95%, giving patients a far greater chance at recovery and long-term health.
Charles Schulz, the beloved creator of the comic strip Peanuts, once emphasized that each of us can make a difference in colorectal cancer awareness and health. Sadly, Schulz himself had been privately battling colorectal cancer just 3 months before his death from a heart attack in February 2000. His story reminds us that even those who bring joy to millions may face silent struggles â and that awareness, screening, and timely action are essential.
On May 13, an ultrasound of the whole abdomen, PSA test, blood chemistry, and complete blood count with platelets were performed. The FIT results were obtained on May 25. On May 29, I underwent an X-ray and ECG. Pre-operative cardiopulmonary clearance was completed on June 1. Bowel preparation was done on June 4, the night before the colonoscopy.Â
On June 5, the colonoscopy procedure was performed. During the colonoscopy, if doctors see a polyp â a small growth inside the colon â they usually remove it right away (polypectomy). In my case, a non-cancerous polyp in descending colon was removed via cold snare polypectomy (JNET 2A). The tissue was then sent to the pathology lab, where specialists check if itâs harmless, precancerous, or cancerous. This step guides the next decisions for my care.
At the recovery room, after the anesthesia wore off, I was told to come back after 5 years for another colonoscopy. So I guess the polyp that was removed is a hyperplastic polyp. Hyperplastic polyps are benign, which means they are not cancerous, unlike adenomatous polyps, which are precancerous and have the potential to develop into colorectal cancer if left untreated.
The polyp biopsy pathology report was released on June 9, but I chose to receive it on June 18 so I can personally thank the gastroenterologist who treated me.
What Iâve learned about colon polyps and colorectal cancer.
𧏠What Is a PreâCancerous Colon Polyp?
A colon polyp is a small growth on the inner lining of the colon. Some types, like adenomas or sessile serrated lesions, are considered preâcancerous because they can slowly change into colorectal cancer if not removed. Detecting and removing them during colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to prevent cancer.
đŠââď¸ What Is Early Onset Colorectal Cancer?
This refers to colorectal cancer diagnosed in people younger than 50. Rates have been rising worldwide, and lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors may play a role. Because it appears earlier than traditional screening ages, awareness of symptoms and family history is critical.
đą How Can I Lower My Risk?
Eat a highâfiber diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit red and processed meats.
Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
Follow your doctorâs advice on screening intervals if youâve had polyps or have family history.
𩺠What Is Screening and When Does It Start?
Screening means testing for cancer before symptoms appear. The most common test is a colonoscopy, which allows doctors to find and remove polyps.
For averageârisk adults, screening usually starts at age 45.
If you have family history or certain risk factors, it may start earlier.
â ď¸ What Symptoms Should Take Me to the Doctor?
Seek medical attention if you notice:
Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)
Abdominal pain or cramping
đŞ What Is My Chance of Beating This Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early.
Stage I cancers have survival rates above 90%.
Even later stages benefit from modern surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Regular screening and early detection dramatically improve outcomes.
Thank God, I did not experience any colonoscopy complications such as small amounts of blood in my stool, dizziness, fever, severe abdominal pain, or heavy bleeding from the anus. đđť
