He was 48, Fit, and Facing Colorectal Cancer
When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer, I was an active 48-year-old running my own IT business, playing weekly hockey games with my buddies, and volunteering in the community. The disease struck me like an opponent body-checking a player on the ice.
I had no symptoms until I began to suffer from constipation, vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell. Days later, I lay dying in the emergency room as a tumor blocked my intestines. Everything became a blur. Doctors and the medical team rushed me into surgery, removed a foot of my colon, and started me on six months of chemotherapy. They gave me back my life.
"Getting the word out about this devastating disease and helping men understand their risk factors is critical."
That’s why I grow a mustache every Movember to raise money – and awareness – about men’s health. There are mustache stickers on my hockey helmet and email reminders to my friends and co-workers about supporting the cause. I’ve raised $18,493 since 2018 for Movember, with Magna providing matching funds.
Getting the word out about this devastating disease and helping men understand their risk factors is critical.
Colorectal cancer rates are skyrocketing globally, with recent studies revealing that one in 24 men and one in 26 women will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime. My story echoes a devastating trend; one in five people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are now under the age of 55.
At the time I was diagnosed, getting a colonoscopy to screen for cancer was not even recommended for my age group. The new recommendation is for individuals at average risk of colorectal cancer to begin screening at age 45, a decrease from the previous age of 50.
That’s why it’s important to control the controllable and make good dietary and lifestyle choices that decrease your risk. Diets high in processed and red meats but low in fibre, fruits, and vegetables are known to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. I’ve followed my wife Kimberley’s lead and now eat vegetarian meals. I get colonoscopies every three years.
What’s beyond your control are family history and genetics that raise your risk. In my family, there’s a history of prostate cancer. Anyone with hereditary conditions should consult their doctor about proactive screening.
Ten years after my diagnosis and surgery, I’m now cancer-free. I enjoy leading a Magna team of 12 who support mylife and other applications used by global employees. I play pickup hockey three times a week and enjoy Friday night walks along the river in Newmarket with my best friend Tim. We talk about the Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, and work. I check-in with Magna’s Employee and Family Assistance Program when I have personal concerns and need advice.
I share my story because it’s a small thing I can do to help. Cancer sucks. That’s why I support Movember.
You check your car, your team, and your stats – so when’s the last time you checked your health?
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