Johnston Reporter

On April 24, 2023, in line with recommended guidelines for individuals 45 and above, U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel (NC-13) underwent regular colorectal cancer screening at the Raleigh Endoscopy Center in Cary, North Carolina. 

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. It’s also the second deadliest cancer in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the most effective way to reduce risk of colorectal cancer is by having regular colorectal cancer screening tests beginning at age 45.

A colonoscopy is about prevention and treatment. With regular screenings starting at 45, abnormal growths can be removed before turning into cancer or at an early stage when treatment is most effective.

Representative Wiley Nickel is 47 years-old. Incidence rates for people younger than 50 have been increasing by 1% to 2% a year since the mid-1990s which is why Ryan Reynolds (then aged 45) shared information about his colonoscopy to help build awareness.

In sharing his experience with the public, Representative Nickel hopes to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis for this life-saving screening.

“I’m sharing information about my colonoscopy to help raise awareness in the fight against colorectal cancer,” said Rep. Nickel. “I lost my father to cancer at a young age, and want to be around to see my kids raise families of their own. A colonoscopy doesn’t just catch colorectal cancer early, it helps prevent it too. It’s a screening that finds precancerous polyps AND removes them on the spot. With early detection and diagnosis, we can help ensure positive outcomes for more families, friends, and loved ones across North Carolina. In Congress, I'll continue to raise awareness and work to increase access to cancer screening, support robust investments in research, and fight to end cancer as we know it.” 

American Cancer Society Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening can be found HERE. 

Additional information and resources from the American Cancer Society can be found HERE.

Original source can be found here.