Colorectal cancer was the furthest thing from Tom Panfil’s mind in August as he was busy planning a trip to China with his wife that October. But as a healthcare professional, Panfil was well aware of the importance of health screenings. He was long overdue for a routine colonoscopy, so he decided to have it done before his trip.

Minutes into the procedure, gastroenterologist Donald Lipkis, MD, found a large malignant tumor. Panfil was shocked; he didn’t have any symptoms, and no one in his family had ever had colorectal cancer.

“I had no symptoms or family history of colon cancer, but my doctor found a tumor the size of a lemon," he recalled.

Panfil was immediately admitted into Alvarado Hospital. Over the next three weeks he had two surgeries and lost 20 pounds. But Dr. Lipkis also had good news: There was no evidence the cancer had spread; his lymph nodes were cancer-free.

“If Tom had waited any longer to get a colonoscopy, the tumor probably would have metastasized in a matter of weeks or months,” said Dr. Lipkis, who specializes in GI and liver disease. “He is the best example of why people should begin routine colonoscopies starting at age 50, even if they are not experiencing symptoms or do not have a family history of colorectal cancer.”

Individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer should consult with a doctor to determine whether routine colonoscopy screenings should begin earlier.

The Keys to Beating the Disease

Panfil is one of more than a million colorectal cancer survivors in the United States. The survival rate for colorectal cancer has greatly improved in the last 20 years because of regular screening and treatment, which may include removal of pre-cancerous polyps from the colon.

Still, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women combined. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 148,760 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2008.

“Prevention and early detection are the keys to beating this disease,” Dr. Lipkis said. “When colon cancer is detected and treated early, the five-year survival rate is more than 90%.”

Back To Work And Traveling The World

But as a healthcare professional, he certainly knew how to evaluate the care he received. Afterward, he wrote a letter to hospital administration commending the nurses. Panfil had equally warm words for his doctors, as well. He recalled how one of them, Jack Marino, MD, internal medicine, even called the hospital from an out-of-state fishing trip to check on him.

After he was discharged, Panfil continued recovering at home. And only two months after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, he went to China—just as he and his wife originally planned. (Tom Panfil and wife are pictured next to the Great Wall of China.)

“When I first went on board the cruise ship, I walked like an 80-year-old man," he said. "But by the conclusion of the trip, I was keeping up with the rest of the group."

Panfil has fully recovered and is once again working in the Alvarado Hospital Pharmacy. He follows up with his internist and oncologist twice a year. He also receives an annual CT scan to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned. So far, he has received a clean bill of health.

Earlier this year, Panfil and his wife traveled to Rio de Janeiro to celebrate his 60th birthday during Carnival. They are already planning their next trip: a cruise to the Middle East.

Panfil feels very fortunate that his cancer was caught in time. His advice for anyone undecided about having a colonoscopy? Do it now.

“If you want to see your children and grandchildren grow up, don’t wait to have a routine colonoscopy,” he says. “By the time you have symptoms, it may be too late.”