Colon cancer can be a daunting diagnosis, but hearing the experiences of others can provide comfort, knowledge, and motivation. These are stories of real people who faced colon cancer, navigated diagnosis, and found their path to treatment and survivorship, often thanks to early detection and the expert care at UCLA Health. Their journeys highlight the importance of listening to your body, understanding screening guidelines, and advocating for your health. These Colon Cancer Diagnosis Stories are not just about illness; they are about resilience, hope, and the life-saving power of early detection.
From Hesitancy to Gratitude: Val Gueorguiev’s Colonoscopy Story
Val Gueorguiev’s story underscores the importance of following through with recommended medical advice, even when you’re hesitant. Back in 2016, at age 58, Val underwent his first colorectal cancer screening. He opted for a sigmoidoscopy, perceiving it as a less invasive and easier option. During this procedure, Dr. Kevin Ghassemi, a gastroenterologist at UCLA Health, removed a polyp. Crucially, Dr. Ghassemi strongly advised Val to have a colonoscopy as soon as possible. However, it took six years for Val to act on this recommendation.
Reflecting on his experience, Val was particularly thankful for Dr. Ghassemi’s thorough explanation of the differences between sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy and the vital need for the latter. When Val finally had his colonoscopy, Dr. Ghassemi discovered and removed a pre-cancerous polyp that a sigmoidoscopy would likely have missed. Today, Val is deeply grateful for Dr. Ghassemi’s persistence and the potentially life-saving intervention. His experience has made him a strong advocate for colonoscopies, even convincing his wife and friends to get screened. Val’s story is a powerful reminder that while initial screenings like sigmoidoscopies can be useful, a colonoscopy provides a more comprehensive view and can detect issues that might otherwise be missed.
Unexpected Diagnoses: Colon Cancer in the Young and Healthy
Several stories highlight a concerning trend: colon cancer affecting younger individuals, even those with healthy lifestyles and no apparent risk factors.
Hilary Witbrodt: An Athlete’s Unexpected Battle
Hilary Witbrodt was the picture of health. A competitive endurance athlete in her early 40s, she maintained a diet rich in whole foods and exercised regularly. She had no family history of colorectal cancer. Yet, in November 2022, Hilary noticed blood in her stool. Initially dismissing it as minor, she soon realized something was wrong. Hilary’s story emphasizes that risk factors are not always present, and symptoms, however subtle, should never be ignored, even in young, healthy individuals.
Brian Coyne: Age 38 and a Shocking Discovery
Brian Coyne, at 38, anticipated his rectal bleeding was due to hemorrhoids when he underwent his first colonoscopy. Instead, he was awakened from sedation with the life-altering news that doctors had found a large rectal tumor, highly suspected to be cancerous. Brian and his wife Mandy sought the best possible treatment, choosing UCLA Health. His story underscores the shock and disbelief young people face when diagnosed with colon cancer and the importance of seeking expert care.
Kyle McEwen: Advocating for Health at 26
Kyle McEwen’s experience is particularly striking. At just 26, experiencing stomach pains, he was initially diagnosed with anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome by a doctor who dismissed the possibility of anything serious due to his age. However, Kyle knew something was wrong and persisted, seeking a second opinion from a UCLA gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Albertson, who ordered a colonoscopy – a procedure uncommon for someone so young. The colonoscopy revealed a malignant tumor. Kyle’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of patient advocacy, especially for younger individuals who may be overlooked due to age-related biases in cancer screening. His diagnosis highlighted the alarming trend of rising colorectal cancer rates in younger populations, which has led to updated screening guidelines.
The Importance of Screening at 45: Angie Jones and Devin Dillon
The updated guidelines recommending colon cancer screening to begin at age 45 are directly reflected in the experiences of Angie Jones and Devin Dillon.
Angie Jones: Listening to Her Doctor at 45
Angie Jones listened to her UCLA Health primary care physician’s recommendation for her first colonoscopy at age 45, the new recommended age. This proactive decision proved to be life-changing. During her colonoscopy, doctors found and removed a large pre-cancerous polyp. Angie’s story is a clear example of how adhering to updated screening guidelines can lead to early detection and prevention.
Devin Dillon: Early Screening Saves the Day at 48
Devin Dillon, 48, underwent her first colonoscopy in early 2022, thanks to the expanded screening guidelines. She had no symptoms or risk factors. The colonoscopy revealed colon cancer, but due to early detection, surgery was curative. Devin credits early screening for her positive outcome. Her story directly illustrates the rationale behind lowering the screening age to 45 – catching cancers earlier in younger individuals without symptoms.
Overcoming Fear and Hesitancy: Gloria Riley’s Journey
Gloria Riley’s story is about overcoming fear and hesitancy towards colonoscopy. Despite being a health educator who understood the importance of cancer screenings, Gloria, at 56, delayed her own colorectal cancer screening for years due to fear of sedation and the procedure itself. It took persistent encouragement from her UCLA Health primary care physician, Dr. John Mafi, for Gloria to finally schedule her colonoscopy.
Dr. Mafi patiently addressed her concerns over four years, building trust and providing information. When Gloria finally underwent the colonoscopy, a large cancerous polyp was discovered and removed. Gloria’s story emphasizes that it’s never too late to overcome fear and prioritize screening. Her experience also highlights the importance of a trusting patient-doctor relationship in making informed health decisions.
Family History and Preventative Care: Porchia Toussaint
Porchia Toussaint’s story emphasizes the significance of family history in colon cancer risk and the importance of preventative colonoscopies. After her father passed away from stage 4 colon cancer at 54, Porchia and her brother were advised to start regular colonoscopies. Although her first colonoscopy was clear, her brother had polyps removed. Porchia’s family history made regular screening a crucial part of her healthcare. Her story underscores that family history significantly elevates risk, necessitating earlier and more frequent screenings as a preventive measure.
Listening to Your Body: Cameron Kalunian and James Weatherall
Several patient stories highlight the critical role of paying attention to bodily symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly.
Cameron Kalunian: Acting Fast on Symptoms at 35
Cameron Kalunian, 35, noticed blood in his stool and promptly consulted his doctor. A sigmoidoscopy revealed a large tumor. Due to early action, his colon cancer was diagnosed at stage 1 and successfully treated with surgery. Cameron’s quick response to his symptoms was crucial for early diagnosis and favorable outcomes.
James Weatherall: No Symptoms, Screening Saves a Life at 62
James Weatherall’s story is a powerful reminder that colon cancer can be asymptomatic. At 62, with no symptoms, James was urged by his new primary care physician at UCLA Health to get a colonoscopy. Expecting nothing, he was shocked to discover a tumor. His colonoscopy, performed as a screening test, was life-saving. James’ story emphasizes that even without symptoms, routine screening is vital, especially as recommended by healthcare providers.
Advanced Treatments and Technology: Stephane Strouk and Lazaro Barajas
UCLA Health’s commitment to advanced technology and comprehensive care is evident in the stories of Stephane Strouk and Lazaro Barajas.
Stephane Strouk: Facing Stage 3C with Advanced Treatment
Stephane Strouk, diagnosed with stage 3C colorectal cancer, underwent advanced radiation and chemotherapy treatments at UCLA Health, alongside surgery. He highlights the sophisticated technology used in radiation therapy and the supportive, patient-centered environment. Stephane’s story showcases how advanced treatments and a positive care environment can significantly impact the patient experience and outcomes, even with advanced-stage cancer.
Lazaro Barajas: Clinical Trials and Leading-Edge Technology
Lazaro Barajas, diagnosed with invasive colorectal cancer at 40 and given only two years to live, found hope through a clinical trial and leading-edge technology at UCLA Health. His story exemplifies how access to innovative treatments and clinical trials at comprehensive cancer centers like UCLA Health can offer renewed hope and extended life for patients with challenging diagnoses.
The Importance of Second Opinions and Minimally Invasive Procedures: Linda Kama’ila
Linda Kama’ila’s story underscores the value of seeking second opinions and exploring minimally invasive options. Advised to have a significant portion of her colon removed after a routine colonoscopy, Linda sought a second opinion at UCLA Health. Dr. Danny Issa offered a mucosal resection, an outpatient procedure that successfully removed a benign polyp, avoiding major surgery. Linda’s experience highlights the benefit of seeking expert second opinions and the availability of advanced, minimally invasive procedures at specialized centers like UCLA Health.
Lifestyle and Prevention: Fuad Afifi and Nancee Jaffe
The importance of lifestyle factors and preventative measures are highlighted in the stories of Fuad Afifi and Nancee Jaffe.
Fuad Afifi: From FIT Test to Colonoscopy – A Brother’s Plea
Fuad Afifi’s story begins with a home FIT test, which detected blood and led to a colonoscopy. This screening discovered pre-cancerous polyps. Fuad’s experience, coupled with his sister’s death from colon cancer, motivated him to become an advocate for screening. His story illustrates how accessible screening options like FIT tests can initiate the process of early detection and the importance of overcoming fear and misinformation about colonoscopies.
Nancee Jaffe: Diet and Lifestyle for Prevention
Nancee Jaffe, a dietitian at UCLA Health, emphasizes the significant role of diet and lifestyle in colorectal cancer prevention. She points out that a substantial percentage of colorectal cancer deaths are preventable through screening and lifestyle modifications. Her insights highlight the power of healthy habits in reducing cancer risk and complement the message of early detection through screening.
Continuous Care and Support: Anne Lin and Walter Fraser
UCLA Health’s commitment to patient care extends beyond treatment, encompassing continuous support and a patient-centered approach, as seen in the stories of Dr. Anne Lin and Walter Fraser.
Dr. Anne Lin: Post-Surgery App for Connected Care
Dr. Anne Lin developed a post-surgery monitoring app to keep patients connected with their medical team after discharge. This innovative approach reduces emergency visits and readmissions, providing patients with comfort and empowering them in their recovery. Dr. Lin’s app showcases UCLA Health’s dedication to leveraging technology to enhance patient care and support throughout the entire cancer journey.
Walter Fraser: Routine Screening for Long-Term Health
Walter Fraser’s story emphasizes the long-term benefits of routine colonoscopies. Having started screenings 20 years prior, Walter has had polyps detected and removed, preventing potential cancer development. His consistent screening history showcases the effectiveness of regular colonoscopies in preventing colorectal cancer over time.
Conclusion: Your Story Can Be One of Hope
These colon cancer diagnosis stories collectively deliver a powerful message: early detection through screening, combined with expert medical care and patient advocacy, can dramatically change the course of colon cancer. Whether you are at average risk or have specific concerns, understanding your screening options and engaging with your healthcare provider is the most important step you can take. Inspired by these stories, take proactive steps for your health. Talk to your doctor about colon cancer screening today. For more information or to schedule a screening, contact UCLA Health.
These stories are for informational purposes and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for any health concerns.
