He Got a Colonoscopy on Time — and Hopes You Will, Too
- Category: Gastroenterology Center
- Posted On:
- Written By: Mason Wheatley
“Have you gotten your colonoscopy?”
Kevin Sommers knows it might catch some off guard to ask that question. But he asks anyway, because for him, colorectal cancer screening is personal.
Years ago, Kevin drove his father to his first colonoscopy. Kevin was in his 20s then, and at the time, he did not think much of it.
That screening led to his dad’s colon cancer diagnosis at age 51 — the first of more than a decade of serious health battles he would overcome, including Hodgkin Lymphoma and urinary tract cancer.
Through that journey as a survivor, Kevin’s dad made one message clear: Don’t wait. Get screened on time.
After his father's colon cancer diagnosis at 51, Kevin made it a priority to get screened early.
“Back then, I always assumed colon cancer was something only older people got,” Kevin recalled.
That’s no longer the case. Studies show that younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Guidelines now recommend the average adult begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. For people with certain risk factors — like a family history of colorectal cancer, in Kevin’s case — screening may need to begin earlier.
When he turned 40, Kevin took his dad’s advice, scheduling his colonoscopy with Gastroenterologist Michael Baird, MD, at the Valley View Surgery Center at Basalt, near Kevin’s home in Missouri Heights.
During the procedure, Dr. Baird found polyps — small growths in the colon that are often harmless but can sometimes become cancerous. They were removed, tested and came back benign. Kevin was in the clear.
“It was seamless,” he said. “Everything worked out fine. Plus, I had the best nap of my life.”
The challenging part of the process for Kevin was fasting the day before — he likes his late-night snacks, he admits. But afterward, he felt reassured knowing he had peace of mind until his next recommended colonoscopy in five years.
Now, Kevin is more open with others. He asks his friends if they’ve been screened and jokes about the infamous liquid prep (or the “secret sauce,” as he calls it). He wants to take away some of the awkwardness and uncertainty that keeps people from talking about it or scheduling their colonoscopy.
“It’s hard to explain just how simple and smooth the process can be,” Kevin said. “I definitely urge people to get theirs done on time.”
Following his procedure, Kevin called his dad. He was thrilled to hear the good news.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Early detection saves lives.
Valley View Gastroenterology Center offers comprehensive care for digestive health, including colonoscopies in Glenwood Springs and Basalt. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Valley View Gastroenterology Center or call 970.384.7510.
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