I finally got screened for colon cancer
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For years, I told myself I would get screened for colorectal cancer. Every birthday seemed like another reminder that I should do it. But somehow there was always a reason to wait.
I dreaded the preparation for a colonoscopy, and I was reluctant to ask my family to take time out of their day to drive me to and from the appointment.
At 74, I had never been screened.
Looking back, I’m sure I wasn’t alone. I cared about my health, but the barriers felt bigger than the benefits. It was simply easier to put it off and promise myself I’d do it next year.
Then my primary care provider told me about another option: a blood test called Shield by Guardant Health, the first FDA-approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening. Medicare covered it with no co-pay, and I could do it right in my doctor’s office.
I decided it was finally time.
Despite my slight fear of needles, the process was quick and easy. There was no special preparation, no arranging transportation, and no disruption to my day.
When the results came back negative, I felt an enormous sense of relief. More than anything, I wondered why I had waited so long.
Screening is part of healthy aging
September is National Healthy Aging Month, a reminder that taking care of ourselves doesn’t stop as we get older. In fact, healthy aging often means staying current on the preventive screenings that can help us detect problems before they become serious.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when it’s found early, yet millions of Americans remain behind on screening.
In Maryland, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths, and the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026, 2,740 Marylanders will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines to recommend the FDA-approved Shield blood test.
Every person is different, and the best screening test is the one that’s right for you. That’s a conversation to have with your healthcare provider.
But if you’ve been delaying screening because of concerns about preparation, inconvenience or transportation, it’s worth asking what options are available.
For me, taking that first step gave me something I hadn’t realized I was missing: peace of mind.
Now I spend my time doing what I enjoy most — making quilts for my newest grandchild — with the confidence that I’m taking care of my health, too.
Healthy aging isn’t about avoiding birthdays. It’s about giving ourselves every opportunity to enjoy them.
Susan Klein is a grandparent, patient advocate and former Baltimore resident now based in Reston, Virginia.
