As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, I reflect on my own journey with the disease and how it reshaped my understanding of cancer care. After more than 25 years in healthcare communications, I’ve seen my share of statistics about cancer – survival rates, treatment, and the seemingly endless challenges patients face.
I lost my father to cancer when I was 14, so I was familiar with the emotional toll the disease can take. But despite all this, nothing prepared me for the shock of hearing, I have cancer.
The Diagnosis
In 2016, I delayed my colonoscopy for several months with thoughts of postponing it further. Blame it on stubbornness, blame it on ignorance. I felt fine, other than some back pain that I initially chalked up to playing ice hockey all my life. I didn’t think much of it. But the back pain prompted me to finally get a colonoscopy, where my doctor pointed out a six-centimeter mass on my tailbone. After further tests, I was diagnosed with Stage 3B colorectal cancer.
Had I not avoided prior screenings, perhaps the diagnosis would have come even earlier, when it may have been more easily treatable. That’s something I’ll never know for sure. But what I do know now – and what I unfortunately learned the hard way – is this: early detection can make all the difference. I actually now look forward to my colonoscopies. Yes, you read that correctly!
What Followed
My year-long treatment journey was intense – radiation, chemotherapy, major surgery, and then post-op chemotherapy. Before this experience, I obviously respected medical professionals. But once I came under their care – if you will excuse me, once my life was in their hands – I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work. It is much more than just treating a disease, it’s about giving people hope, the opportunity for a longer, healthier life. My medical team provided support, guidance, and expertise throughout the process. And they were honest. At the outset, I was told I had a long road ahead of me and that nothing was assured. But that together, we’d do our very best.
Since joining ICR nearly six years ago, I’ve gained additional perspective on cancer care. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with experts, clients, and teams who focus on advancing treatments and improving patient outcomes. I work with colleagues who share my intense desire to contribute, through our work, to the eradication of cancer. Seeing it from both the professional and personal side has helped me further appreciate the importance of early detection and comprehensive care. And, my clients appreciate that I’m in tune with patients, how they view medical treatments, where they have gaps in knowledge, and what information they need to make informed decisions.
Nearly nine years after my diagnosis and eight years after being cleared, I’m doing great. I don’t consider myself a survivor, just someone who was fortunate to be diagnosed in time, afforded exceptional care, and is grateful to be here today. That said, if sharing my story encourages you to schedule a screening, then that’s a win.
My experience, unsurprisingly, has informed how I approach my work as a communications professional, with my clients in oncology and across all disease states. For me, those “statistics” I mentioned earlier are much more than numbers about patient populations or anything of the kind. They are individuals who, along with their families and friends, embody an indescribable level of faith and courage.
I will never discover a molecule that will lead to the development of a new drug, nor will I design the next groundbreaking healthcare technology tool to improve patient care. However, by supporting the efforts of those who do – by moving their communications programs forward so patients can ultimately benefit – my colleagues and I can have a tangible impact. That is my thanksgiving.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 45, then continue getting screened at regular intervals until age 75. However, you may need to be tested earlier than 45, or more often than other people, if you have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. People at an increased risk of getting colorectal cancer should talk to their doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for them, and how often to get tested.
I don’t preach, but I am urging you—and will continue to do so in my career and community—don’t put off that colonoscopy.
It truly can save your life.
Resources for colorectal cancer awareness and early detection:
