An Abbotsford, British Columbia, man and his wife are hoping to raise awareness amid a long, painful battle with cancer that they say could have been avoided.
Cory McIntyre is battling stage 4 colon cancer. His wife, Melissa McIntyre, says he was diagnosed a year after learning he was too young to be tested.
“The oncologist estimated that it probably started between a year and 18 months before diagnosis. So if he had had the test done when we asked him, he would have found the tumors and they could have removed them,” Melissa McIntyre said.
“Because it was not controlled. It went to his liver, his bones, his lungs and literally took over his entire body.
BC Cancer recommends people start screening for colon cancer between the ages of 50 and 74. These guidelines change for people with a family history or those with symptoms.
The Guidelines and Protocols Advisory Committee (GPAC) updated BC’s guidelines in 2022 to keep them at 50, according to BC Cancer.
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“BC Cancer regularly reviews research and trends to ensure screening guidelines provide high-quality, effective care,” BC Cancer said in a statement to Global News.
“The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) increases steadily after the age of 50. Regardless of age, anyone experiencing symptoms of concern for colon health should speak to their doctor immediately.”
Calls are growing to start screening earlier across the country.
A online petition launched earlier this year, aimed at lowering the screening age to 30 in Ontario, has collected more than 37,000 signatures.
In February, Colorectal Cancer Canada said incidents of colon cancer among young adults had increased rapidly in recent years, challenging the conventional wisdom that it is a disease of older people.
“This alarming reality is a stark reminder that vigilance and advocacy are paramount in the fight against colorectal cancer,” the organization said.
Meanwhile, Cory McIntyre was given two years to live and is now almost two years away.
“Testing needs to be more easily accessible to everyone,” said Melissa McIntyre. “People are dying, something has to be done. He is only 37 years old with four children and he will finally pass away in about a year.
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