Early Detection Made the Difference: David’s Story

When colon cancer is caught early, it can often be cured. David is living proof. 

It started with a symptom he decided to mention to his family doctor. 

“For about a week, I noticed blood in my stool,” David says. “At first, I thought it might be something minor that would go away.”  

At 57, David was overdue for colon cancer screening.  

Because of the symptom he was experiencing, his family doctor referred him for a colonoscopy with Dr. Ian Chin, a surgeon at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa Hospital. A colonoscopy is a procedure used to detect and prevent colorectal cancer. For David, this appointment would change the course of his cancer journey.  

During the procedure, Dr. Chin removed three polyps and sent one away for further testing. A few weeks later, he received a call from Dr. Chin: David had colon cancer. 

“The toughest part of the whole experience was the two and a half weeks between hearing the diagnosis and getting all the results back to understand the severity,” David says. “But looking back, everything moved quickly. I was told I had cancer on February 7 2025, and by the end of the month, I had additional bloodwork and a CT scan.” 

Dr. Chin also had reassuring news. The cancer had been caught early, meaning surgery would likely be enough to treat it.  

“When colorectal cancer is caught early, nine out of 10 people can be cured,” says Dr. Hugh Kendall, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Physician Lead for the Central East Regional Cancer Program. “That’s why cancer screening is so important for everyone.”  

On April 4, 2025. Dr. Chin removed about a foot of David’s colon, and the operation was successful. Thankfully, David did not need chemotherapy. 

“The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the outcome,” adds Dr. Chin.  

Colon cancer screening is an important way to check for cancer, even before symptoms develop. Most people do not require a colonoscopy like David had. A simple test called a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) kit is recommended every two years for men and women ages 50-74. This is an easy stool (poop) test that is done at home and only takes a few minutes to complete.  

“If you’re between 50-74, ask your family doctor or nurse practitioner to have a FIT kit mailed to your home. You can also call 811 to request a FIT kit if you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner” advises Dr. Kendall. “If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, speak with your provider about other testing you may require.” 

David speaks highly of the surgical team and nursing staff who supported him through surgery and recovery. 

“I can’t say enough good things about the care team,” he says. “The care and compassion from Dr. Chin, Dr Herath and the rest of the operating room (OR) team, as well as Katherine, Stephanie, Kaitlin, Mallory, Mya, Samantha, Firdaus, Wendy, Tina and the post-surgery team was incredible throughout the entire process and particularly during my surgery recovery.”   

One year later, David’s outlook on life has shifted. 

“This journey quickly reconfirmed what really is important in life,” he says. “Faith, family and friends are everything.” 

Now cancer-free and continuing with regular follow-up testing, David has a clear message for others who may be putting off screening. 

“Stop putting it off,” he says. “Early detection is key and can be a life-changer.”  

For more information about colon cancer screening, please visit the Central East Regional Cancer Program’s website.