Proactive Screenings Save Lives: A Personal Wake-Up Call

How one decision could prevent years of pain, loss, and financial strain.

When Edward Mitchell scheduled his routine colonoscopy, he never expected it to save his life. Three days before Christmas 2023, Edward, a healthy and active 50-year-old, was blindsided by a diagnosis of Stage IIIB rectal cancer. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early screenings.

“I didn’t think much of the symptoms I was noticing,” Edward recalls. “A bit of blood on the toilet paper seemed minor, and I’d been putting off a colonoscopy. The prep work and discomfort were excuses I’d been using, but I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer.”

That simple screening revealed multiple polyps and a tumor that had begun to spread to Edward’s lymph nodes. Additional imaging confirmed the cancer’s seriousness, requiring an aggressive treatment plan: six weeks of radiation with oral chemotherapy, followed by months of IV chemotherapy. Edward now attends frequent check-ups and faces the possibility of future surgeries.

The journey has been life-altering. In addition to enduring nausea, fatigue, and constant stomach pain, Edward has racked up over 100 medical visits and nearly $600,000 in treatment costs. “If I were self-employed or paid hourly, this could have been financially devastating,” he shares. Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the financial impact has been staggering—all of which could have been avoided with a screening at the recommended age of 45.

Rectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but it’s also one of the most preventable. A colonoscopy is a quick, one-day procedure that identifies and removes precancerous polyps, potentially stopping cancer before it starts.

“The hassle of a colonoscopy is nothing compared to the cost of treatment,” Edward says. “This experience has taught me the true value of preventive care.”

Edward’s message is simple: don’t wait. Schedule your screenings on time, know your family history, and take control of your health. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to prioritize your well-being. Early detection could save your life—and protect you from unimaginable pain and financial strain.