Al's Story of Colonoscopy for Early Detection
Al Stagman, Patch Grove
If you know Al Stagman, you know he's a hard worker, friendly and someone who rarely complains. So much so, that he didn't complain or share the discomfort he was having this past winter for nearly two months. But when he did mention it to his doctor at his physical at the end of March, it was taken seriously, and a CT scan was scheduled immediately. Surprisingly the CT came back clear, but his primary care provider, Brian Quick, PA-C, decided to order Cologuard since Al had never had a colonoscopy. This time the result came back positive. His previous hesitation to have a colonoscopy was changed to ‘now I know I need to do this’ and realizes he should have done it sooner. He also thought about his uncle who was diagnosed with colon cancer and passed away at age 49.
Al scheduled the colonoscopy at Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster.
"My experience with Grant Regional was very positive," said Al. "I'm here to tell all the guys (and gals) out there who are putting this off, it really isn't all that bad. And now I fully understand how incredibly important it is to do."
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, though it is one of the most preventable. Colon cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the U.S. Each year, 140,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer, and over a million people have a history of colon cancer.
Al's colonoscopy found 9 small polyps that were able to be removed. One large polyp (almost the size of a lime) the surgeon was not able to remove during the colonoscopy. Biopsies were taken of the large polyp and the 9 little ones were also tested. Initial pathology report came back that the large polyp was an advanced precancerous polyp, and 9 little ones were early polyps with a potential to become colon cancer if left to grow. When a colonoscopy reveals changes in the colon that will progress to cancer, and these polyps cannot be removed during a colonoscopy that section of the colon needs to be removed. The following week Al then had surgery for a hemicolectomy, where the right half of his colon was surgically removed. Dr. Perttu performed the 2-hour surgery laparoscopically using just 3 small incisions. “Al’s care at Grant Regional during surgery and while he recovered was really wonderful,” said Al’s wife Barb. “My surgery team was so knowledgeable and explained everything to us in a way we could understand.”
“It was such a shock, so you can imagine how overwhelming it all felt at the time,” said Al. “During and after surgery, my surgeon, the nurses and staff were very kind, compassionate, and were always right there if I needed anything.”
Al’s final pathology report confirmed the polyp to be an advanced precancerous polyp. Because the polyp was removed before it developed into colon cancer Al will not need any other treatment like chemotherapy or radiation. He will need a colonoscopy in one year and more frequent colonoscopies in the future to prevent colon cancer.
"I'm grateful that we caught this early, so that it didn't progress into cancer where I'd need to undergo cancer treatments," explains Al. "The first thing I thought of was my family and that I am only 55. I am so thankful I have more time to live life and enjoy time with my family."
Screening is critical in both detecting the early stages of colon cancer and detecting polyps that can turn into colon cancer. Generally, it is recommended for a regular screening when you turn 45. However, certain factors can indicate that earlier testing may be needed, including a family history of colon cancer and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Be sure to discuss your options with your primary care provider and determine when to begin screening.