The Power of Persistence: Championing Early CRC Screening
By: Meggan Werkheiser, Content Marketing Manager for Olympus Corporation of the Americas
“You’re a bit young for this,” said the anesthesiologist to my 39-year-old husband, Ryan, who had major doubts about getting a colonoscopy in the first place. Annoyed, I bit my tongue. It wasn’t the first time we heard this, and it had become the theme of this experience.
After they took Ryan back for his procedure, my mind wandered on the journey that had brought us here. In 2021 when I began working at Olympus Corporation, I was pleased to learn about the comprehensive benefits package, which included 100% coverage for colonoscopies. This benefit aligned with Olympus’ mission of early detection of colorectal cancer. Naturally, within the first few months of employment, I scheduled my own colonoscopy and urged Ryan to do the same. While it may seem unusual to some, my insistence was rooted in a tragic personal loss – my father had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at nearly 45 and passed away at 49. I knew what colon cancer could do to a person.
At that time, my gastrointestinal surgeon agreed that 35 was the appropriate age for me to get a colonoscopy. However, when Ryan went to the same surgeon the same year, she recommended otherwise. Even with a family history that included his grandfather, who had rectal cancer, the doctor suggested he wait until 45 per the recommended screening guidelines and to start with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – or stool sample -- instead. Ryan, relieved by this advice, agreed, much to my frustration.
Meggan and Ryan
For the next three years, I continued to advocate for his health, encouraging him to find a different physician. I explained that FIT has a low sensitivity to detect colorectal cancer and precursor lesions when compared to colonoscopy, which is designed to identify pre-cancerous polyps, having an exceptionally high sensitivity to polyp detection when performed by expert endoscopists.1 I admit my efforts were driven by my own anxiety about his future and the painful memories of watching my dad suffer--he wasn’t ready to die, and I’ll always remember that he wanted more time.
Working at Olympus, I am exposed to many conversations about the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. I hear from survivors, caregivers, and physicians about the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer among younger individuals. These stories reinforced my determination to ensure Ryan received the necessary screening.
Finally, he found a physician who agreed to perform a colonoscopy without any objection, and, the procedure commenced, despite previous healthcare provider objections and his own reservations. The surgeon removed two polyps from Ryan’s colon, one of which was precancerous.
On the way home from the hospital, he texted his older brother about his experience, urging him to get a colonoscopy too. His brother responded that he requested one a few months earlier but was advised to wait until he was 45. “Ask again,” Ryan insisted.
This moment stressed the importance of being your own advocate and sometimes being a “nagging” advocate for those you love. Don’t be afraid to prioritize your health and be persistent.
To learn more about colonoscopies and colorectal cancer, visit the site below:
For more information on the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Never Too Young (N2Y) Program focused on young-onset colorectal cancer, visit:
1. Ahlquist D. A. (2019). Stool-Based Tests Vs Screening Colonoscopy for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 15(8), 437–440. 2019. Accessed January 2025.
Meggan Werkheiser is an employee of Olympus America, Inc. The statements contained herein are her experiences, thoughts, and opinions. Please talk to your doctor regarding this important topic.
