How Routine Colonoscopies Are Helping Ken Take Charge of His Health and Stay Colorectal Cancer-Free

For Ken Mak, 55, of Walnut, getting his routine colonoscopy means staying colorectal cancer free.

When Ken’s mother was 50, she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and years later, she remains cancer-free. With this family history, Ken understands his increased risk level and closely follows screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society that recommend having a colonoscopy every five years. So, starting at age 45, Ken underwent his first colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented through routine colonoscopy screenings. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in screening because it allows the doctor to both examine the colon and rectum and remove polyps, which are abnormal growths that can turn into cancer.

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 141,902 new cases of colorectal cancer reported in 2021, and that number is rising.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings. The procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera at the end to provide a clear look at the gastrointestinal tract, taking photos, retrieving samples or spotting things like polyps (abnormal growths), tumors, inflammation and sources of bleeding. The patient receives sedation prior to the procedure.

When Ken reached the same age as his mother’s diagnosis, his colonoscopy found two abnormal growths. The polyps were quickly removed. When polyps aren’t removed in the early stages, they can potentially turn into cancerous cells.

When it came time for his third colonoscopy, Ken chose to have it done at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC) with gastroenterologist Dr. Kenneth Lee. Ken had an expectation of the process, but he was surprised at how I felt more comfortable this time around.

“This has been my best experience having a colonoscopy,” says Ken. “The facility was clean; the staff were courteous and kept my procedure running on time. They also showed real concern for my comfort and well-being during every step of the process.”

If you’re preparing for your first colonoscopy, Ken recommends reading about the process to become familiar with how the preparation and procedure are done and readying a list of questions for your doctor.

“Don’t delay your colonoscopy, prevention can save your life,” says Ken. “You have to take care of your health - do it for your family and loved ones.”

Thankfully, Ken’s colonoscopy showed clear results, making the preparation worth the reassurance that he is colorectal cancer-free.

To learn about scheduling a colonoscopy, visit PVHMC gastrointestinal services at: https://www.pvhmc.org/services/gastrointestinal/ or call: 909.865.9141.