16 By Shannon Carroll “Does anybody have Dave’s mailing address?” read the text to a group of my former co-workers. Though we’ve not worked together for nearly 10 years, we have remained in contact. As I read the series of texts coming in from my old friends, I realized there was a big piece of information that I hadn’t received. “It’s just terrible,” read one. “It doesn’t even seem real,” read another. COVID-19 had put a bigger gap in our already infrequent visits, so I had a bad feeling from the tone of the exchange. “Wait, what happened?” I asked. I could tell from the delay in a response that nobody wanted to tell me. Finally, a text came in that shared the news. “Christine died this morning. It was colon cancer. They didn’t tell many people, and it happened very quickly.” My heart sank as I remembered Dave’s beautiful wife, Christine— 50 years old and by all accounts an active, healthy woman with many decades ahead of her. I remember attending their wedding and seeing their adventures together play out over the years. They had a love story that was inspiring and enviable. Colorectal Cancer The news of Christine’s death could not have been more timely. I had just had my annual checkup and, based on my age of 49, my provider suggested I take an athome test that screens the stool for evidence of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. After the news about Christine, I didn’t hesitate. At-home tests are aneasy, convenient option My provider prescribed an easyto-use at-home screening kit that was delivered to my door. Simple instructions outlined how to collect a stool sample and return it to the laboratory where it would be tested for blood and abnormal DNA. After about a week, I received a message from my provider—the test came back positive and I would need to get a colonoscopy. I couldn’t help but think of my friend. I soon had a colonoscopy appointment with Kootenai Clinic gastroenterologist David Johnson, M.D. Throughout the entire process, he and his care team made me feel at ease and I knew, whatever the outcome, I was in good hands. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, or abnormal growth in the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps can change into cancer over time, but not all polyps become cancer. Removing polyps is a way to prevent cancer from developing. “Colorectal cancer is the secondleading cause of death from cancer in the United States, yet it can be prevented by removing polyps or cured with surgery when detected at an early stage,” said Dr. Johnson. “Several types of tests can be used—visual tests (colonoscopies) and stool tests that you can administer easily at home. The most important thing is to get screened.” HITS Prevention and early detection are so important: Learn your screening options and take charge of your health today Kootenai Clinic gastroenterologist David Johnson, M.D., and family medicine physician Ryan Gilles, M.D. Christine Gill Flowers HOME In loving memory of Christine Gill Flowers
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