Sharing Your Story Living without fear of colorectal cancer

Over 149,500 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer by 2021, which will directly impact their families. While this form of cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, it is a highly preventable disease. Professor Michael O’Donnell,78, a devoted husband and esteemed traveler, has taken steps to prevent this disease and has become a community advocate for screening.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, O’Donnell spent part of his college years as a member of the Peace Corps stationed in Africa, where he found his love for travel. He has been a foreign language professor specializing in French at the University of Virginia, College at Wise, for 54 years. He spends his summers traveling the world without worrying about colorectal cancer.

“Colorectal Cancer has not affected me directly, but I knew the screening was something I needed to do to stay healthy,” said O’Donnell.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer screening can help detect polyps that can be removed before turning cancerous. Individuals between 45 and 75 years old are encouraged to partake in regular screenings. However, it is encouraged to screen earlier if you have a family history or have inflammatory bowel disease.

According to the CDC, about one in three adults falling into that age range has not been tested. Since age 50, O’Donnell says he has done at least six screenings as a method of prevention. He says he is “glad to get it done and happy with the results every time.”

Many are wary of the screening process itself due to the preparation that takes place before the procedure. O’Donnell feels that the prep has gotten better over the years he has been screened and advises people to schedule their procedures in the morning.

“When it’s all over, you’re going to be alive. Nobody is going to make it nice for you. If you want to live for the people you love, which I do, then get the screening.”
This article is from the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement for the University of Virginia Cancer Center. The Cancer Center Without Walls Southwest Virginia Community Advisory Board addresses cancer disparities and access to care in Appalachia. For more information, visit the Cancer Center Without Walls’ website: https://med.virginia.edu/ccww/community-advisory-boards-2/community-advisory-boards/.