If you knew you could prevent a disease, not just treat it, you would do it, right? As we recognize Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, I feel compelled to share my story of prevention and family health history.

Last year, I underwent my first colonoscopy at age 43, two years earlier than the screening age recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, but actually late for someone with a family history of the disease. My uncle was diagnosed with colon cancer in his early 50s, almost 20 years ago, and my mother’s cousin died from the disease in 2023.

As a “birthday gift” to myself, I scheduled my first screening colonoscopy. I know people talk a lot about the preparation for a colonoscopy, but I didn’t find it to be a big deal, especially considering the value of a procedure that can help prevent the disease from occurring in the first place.

As it turns out, my doctor found and removed a benign polyp in my colon. The importance of removing a polyp is that, left undetected, polyps can develop into cancer. Given the results of my first screening and my family history, my GI said that I should come back to see him again in five years.

Knowing the history of colon cancer in my family prompted me to schedule my first colorectal cancer screening. And I’m so glad I did. I recommend to anybody I meet to get screened — and to talk to their families about health matters. Colon cancer can be preventable and beatable if caught early.

JIMMY VARGHESE

Richmond