Colon Cancer Took Both My Parents
Dr. Charles Dillon is an internist practicing in Chicago, IL. Dr. Dillon specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Dillon provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons... more
I am a practicing internist in Chicago at Northwestern University. Cancer is one of the most feared diagnoses a patient can be given. Mammograms can help detect breast cancer. Screening lung CT scans may detect a cancer early enough for cure. A PSA test leads to diagnosis of many prostate cancers. However, a colonoscopy can prevent a person from developing colon cancer and dying from the disease. In my 40 year career, I have rarely found colon cancer. How can I say that I have rarely found the number three leading cancer killer? There was no colon cancer in my grandparents, aunts or uncles. My parents were at average risk and had never been advised to have a colonoscopy by age 70. I had repeatedly told them that it is an important screening that they need to discuss with their doctor. My parents said that they were told it was not necessary and I can’t be sure that it was true. Bloody stools led to my mothers first colon cancer diagnosis. Four years later she had a second primary that rapidly spread and took her life. Strangely, my father died of colon cancer exactly one year after my mother. He hid the fact he was having serious bleeding and diagnosis was made when he became profoundly anemic and short of breath leading to an emergency admission. We are certain he wanted to go be with mom. Why have I seen so little colon cancer in the last 25 years? I insist my patients get screened. If they refuse colonoscopy, I push for Cologuard which has led to the detection and removal of many adenoma type polys that could become a deadly cancer. These tests can and do save lives and every adult needs to be aware that most colon cancer can be prevented. Colon cancer is a terrible way to die so we all need to educate our family and friends as well as our patients.
Charles D Dillon MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University
