‘Colorectal Cancer Screening Saved My Life. It Can Save Yours Too’

Imagine seeing your life partner and father to your three children pass away from colon cancer at only 41 years of age, only to be diagnosed yourself with the same cancer 11 years later. That’s exactly what Phyllis Crowley, a longtime Ajax resident, faced in 2007 at the age of 51.

During a visit to her family physician, Phyllis expressed some minor symptoms of constipation. “I had no other ‘cancer’ symptoms,” shares Phyllis. “I was well aware of all the symptoms to watch for after my husband was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.”

In March 2007, Phyllis met with Dr. Hugh Kendall, Colorectal Screening and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Lead for the Central East Regional Cancer Program to have a colonoscopy procedure. Based on the colonoscopy results, Phyllis was then referred to Dr. Michael Ricer, a General Surgeon at the Ajax Pickering Hospital.

“Dr. Ricer told me that I had stage three colorectal cancer,” explains Phyllis. “I had a right hemicolectomy – a type of surgery done to remove the right side of my colon. As part of the surgery, 17 lymph nodes were removed, five of which contained cancer cells.”

Shortly after returning home from the hospital in June, Phyllis started a six-month aggressive chemotherapy plan.

“Having a positive attitude was half my battle,” she shares. “I knew with the faith I had and the strength and support of my children, family, and community, I would give it a good fight.”

In March 2008, Phyllis received good news from Dr. Kendall that her post-chemo follow-up colonoscopy was clear. “I had a team of heroes who did not give up on me and made sure I was cared for,” says Phyllis.

Today, Phyllis is 66 years old and 14 years cancer-free. She participates in regular cancer screening, along with her children, due to their family history of colon cancer.

“I am thankful that my children are able to be proactive with screening,” says Phyllis. “It provides them the opportunity to foresee any issues and stay on top of their health.”

Colorectal cancer is most treatable when found early. Colonoscopies not only detect the disease but prevent cancer as polyps can be removed during the procedure. “Both my son and daughter had polyps removed during their routine colonoscopies,” notes Phyllis.

Today, individuals who are at average risk of developing colorectal cancer have access to the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a free, safe, and painless test that checks a patient’s stool for tiny amounts of blood sometimes caused by colorectal cancer or large polyps.

“A FIT test is mailed right to you and can be done at home, making it a more convenient and easier way to be screened,” says Dr. Kendall. “It’s important for individuals over 50 years old and those with a history of colon cancer in their family to be screened every two years. Don’t wait for a screening reminder in the mail, follow up with your family physician to ensure your screening requirements and needs are being met.”

Phyllis hopes that sharing her story encourages more people to get screened. “We are so fortunate to have such incredible health care available to us and should take full advantage of the screening program,” she notes. “Screening saved my life. It can save yours too.”