She didn’t have to die. The death of actress Kirstie Alley is a tragedy. What is even more tragic is she died from colon cancer.  

Colon cancer can be contained and cured if caught early enough, more than most cancers. I know because it happened to me earlier this year. I have written about it before, but Alley’s death at 71 and the fact her cancer had only recently been discovered, prompted me to write about it again.  

The American Cancer Society suggests starting screening at the age of 45 though some think it should start at 40 since colon or colorectal cancer is increasing in younger people.  

Any sign of bleeding either in your stools or as part of your bowel movements should prompt you to seek a doctor’s advice immediately.  

It was first determined I had hemorrhoids, but I was later instructed to have a colonoscopy as a precaution.  

Thank goodness I followed those instructions. Two polyps were discovered. One was benign and was removed. The other showed early signs of cancer…so early it didn’t even have a stage.  

I had undergone a colonoscopy five years before, which is considered to be a reasonable interval before you should schedule the next one. No one could really pinpoint how long the cancer had been growing.  

Due to the early discovery, there was no since of urgency to schedule my surgery. I underwent it a few months after the diagnosis. It was determined the cancer had been contained in the polyp and had not spread to my lymph nodes or any other part of my body. 

“You are cancer free,” my gastroenterologist said. You can’t receive a more exciting statement from a physician.  

Colon issues are not something we talk about in casual conversation, but everyone should be diligent. No one wants a fatal surprise from an easily curable cancer.  

The preparation for a colonoscopy is not a lot of fun. I won’t got into the specifics, but I do suggest you select a good book to read before starting the prep process.  

The surgery is even less fun. The soreness in your stomach takes a few days to ease and for the month following surgery you eat a bland diet. The emphasis is on bland. I still have trouble looking at mashed potatoes.  

Two days after Christmas I have another colonoscopy scheduled to make sure everything is still good. I think for awhile this may be an annual part of my holiday festivities.  

This is a time for family celebrations and for making New Year’s resolutions. Make a promise to yourself to get tested so you can be around next year.