In 2000, President Clinton issued a Proclamation recognizing March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Every time I hear about someone dying of colon cancer, I cry. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer deaths in the U.S. and is totally preventable. Colorectal cancer screening tests can find
precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.
In 1972 I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease known as chronic ulcerative colitis. I asked to
see a specialist. My doctor sent me to the Cleveland Clinic to see a gastroenterologist. The
gastroenterologist gave me a colonoscopy exam and put me on prednisone. After that, I went to the
Cleveland Clinic 2-3 times a year for colonoscopy exams and continued with the prednisone. I knew where
every bathroom was in BG. When I had to go, I had to go now. With every visit, my Cleveland Clinic
doctors said they wanted to cure my colitis; and every time, I told them that I didn’t like their cure
(major surgery, remove my colon).
In January 1990, following one of my colonoscopy exams, I was told that I had high-grade-dysphasia
(pre-cancer) and that I didn’t have a choice – it was time to have the surgery. On May 8, 1990 I had my
entire colon removed and the doctors constructed an inter-anal-pouch, called a J-Pouch. While this
inter-anal-pouch healed, I was given a stoma, and had to wear a "bag" for three months, after
which the stoma was reversed and I had a working J-Pouch.
Anyway, when I came out of surgery, the doctor told me that the high-grade-dysphasia had turned to cancer
– I had cancer – was all that I heard. Believe me when I tell you that that brought a tear to my eye.
After which he told me that they had removed all of the cancer and that I was healed. The cancer had
penetrated two of the four layers of the colon and had not spread to the lymph nodes or any of the other
parts of my body – I was cured! No chemo – no radiation – no nothing!!! For the last 24 years, I visit
my surgeon every two years for a check up.
So, every time I hear about someone dying of colon cancer, I cry. Colon cancer is preventable. If you
haven’t had one lately, get your colonoscopy exam now.
Dick Conrad
Bowling Green