Back in my teens, I developed a string of odd symptoms that were unusual for a teenager. To spare you the unpleasant details, let's just say I became very familiar with our family bathroom (and any bathroom, really) and all the daily discomfort and embarrassment that followed.

I got a colonoscopy done. Which, if you haven't had the pleasure of drinking 3 Pico-Salax sachets, well, you're in for a treat if/when the time comes. They're not that bad actually – I hear they've vastly improved the flavor. And I would hope so, considering you're trying to flush absolutely everything within your gastrointestinal system so your specialist can get a good look with their scope. Talk about a thorough 'flush'.

With all of the symptoms I was experiencing, it made sense that my diagnosis was colitis. My specialist explained that it wasn't exactly Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn's Disease (CD), but rather somewhere on the spectrum of these conditions. As a quick aside- both UC and CD are known as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which is a group of intestinal disorders that cause inflammation of the digestive tract. This can cause abdominal pain, cramping and unexplained weight loss. Colitis is a general term for inflammation of the inner lining of the colon (large intestine).

Colon cancer- a rear-ly important topic

Speaking of IBD and colon health, I recently read Peter Attia's book 'Outlive – The Science and Art of Longevity'. His book really excels in a few key areas. One particular topic is the '4-horsemen', the 4 major debilitating diseases that contribute to so many deaths – cancer being one of them. When I finished that chapter, I started thinking about my own cancer risk, especially colon cancer, given my family history and my own health issues.

Colon cancer is a serious concern in Canada, ranking as the third most common cancer overall, and the second most common in men and third in women. It typically develops and grows over a long period (often over 10 years, according to Health Canada). If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

There are certain tests available to diagnose colon cancer. If symptoms are present and tests are positive, a scope will usually follow. However, for those without symptoms, the need for screening depends on your individual risk factors, as advised by Cancer Care Ontario:

• Average risk: Age 50-74 with no immediate family history of colorectal cancer.

• Increased risk: Family history includes one or more first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer.

Most people ages 50 to 74 are at average risk, and is recommended to take a FIT test every 2 years. The FIT, or fecal immunochemical test, is the recommended at-home screening for colorectal cancer. It's safe, painless, and detects tiny traces of blood in stool, indicating colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.

Finally, you have 2 other options. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a colorectal cancer screening method where a doctor examines the rectum and sigmoid colon (check the diagram above) using a flexible tube with a camera. It's for individuals aged 50 to 74 at average risk, with no personal or family history of certain conditions. Sedation or dietary changes aren't necessary. The test is performed by an endoscopist upon referral from a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada. Second most common in men, and third in women.

Colonoscopy, a similar but more extensive procedure, is recommended for those at increased risk or with symptoms. If a flexible sigmoidoscopy detects abnormalities, a colonoscopy will likely follow within 8 weeks. Ultimately, the choice of screening method should be based on a discussion between the individual and their healthcare provider, taking into account personal preferences, risk factors, and medical history.

Amazingly, screening for colorectal cancer improves early detection, significantly enhancing the likelihood of successful treatment. Early detection leads to a cure for approximately 90% of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Go science.

So what exactly where my results this time around?

I'm happy to report I haven't had any recent symptoms. In the past (because I have had acute flare-ups) it was always due to a specific trigger. Fortunately, making some tweaks to my routine helped me keep those triggers in check.

On April 8th, when I got a call from my specialist, I didn’t expect the results. He confirmed my history of patchy colitis, but after my recent colonoscopy and pathology analysis, there were absolutely no signs of colitis whatsoever. None. He asked me what I was doing to keep it at bay, so I gave him a couple of lifestyle and nutrition pieces that I thought were helping. Really nothing sexy. And he wished me well and the call ended.

…there were absolutely no signs of colitis whatsoever. None.

Now, you may be wondering what I would be thinking if I read this post. What is he doing now to keep his symptoms away? Without writing an entire novel here, I’m going to breakup this update into 2 pieces, with the second half talking more about my colitis symptoms, the dangers of the word ‘cure’, and lifestyle factors affecting inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Speaking of which, when was the last time you spoke to your doctor about your own bowls?

Thanks for reading this part 1 of 2.

References

Screening for Colorectal Cancer - Canada.ca

Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Cancer Care Ontario