Cancer Screening: ‘Save Your Life or the Life of Someone You Love …Make Them Go'

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Suffice it to say I am overwhelmed by the response and reaction to Thursday’s “Skinny” that warned people not to be an idiot like me – be smart and be screened for colon cancer.

The column triggered thousands of readers plus comments online and numerous e-mails sent directly to me.

Here’s one – read it and be ready to shed a tear:

“my son passed away in december 2006 from colorectal cancer at age 32..its never to early to have the screening done..your family will be glad for all those extra years and you will too...save your life or the life of someone you love..make them go..it's a decision you will never regret.”

Here’s another:

“Thanks for putting your personal story on the web. My brother died of colon cancer nearly 3 years ago, partially because he didn't want to undergo the ‘indignity’ of a colonoscopy. And then, when cancer was found and surgery removed it, he buried his head in the sand again, even when experiencing more problems, until it was too late for chemo or anything else to save him. He died bravely and with dignity, but I'm still angry with him for not treating his problems as they occurred. A colonoscopy is not pleasant, but an excellent tool for catching a deadly disease before it has to be deadly.

“Best of luck in your fight!”

My friends, I can’t warn you any better than these two people who chose to share their stories – and grief.

I’ll share more in coming days.

Get screened tomorrow – if not today! The life you save may be your own. The ones who love you will cheer.