03/26/2022
During Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize that patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease involving the colon need to be especially vigilant about screenings for colore**al cancer (CRC) since they are at higher risk for developing CRC than the general population.
If you have had IBD symptoms for eight or more years, seeing a gastroenterologist annually and receiving a colonoscopy every one to two years can help reduce this risk, along with taking prescribed medications to keep colon information well-controlled and leading a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Today we share the story of Clayton Smith, a Crohn's disease patient who is now fighting CRC for the second time.
"For anyone who knows me, you’re aware that life hasn’t dealt me the best health-hand," he said. "Despite my meticulous attention to overall physical health and wellbeing (running marathons, ultimate hiking, and competing in cutting horse competitions), I’ve been faced with some significant challenges over the years. From developing Crohn’s disease as a young adult, along with rheumatoid arthritis, CPTII deficiency, lupus, and a previous bout with colon cancer, I have approached each health challenge with optimism, resolve, and a good bit of humor. I like to joke that if the automobile Lemon-Law buyback program could be applied to humans, I would qualify.
Unfortunately, I’m adding another health obstacle to my Yahtzee lineup. Late last year, I was admitted to the emergency room with a Crohn’s disease flare up. After a quick series of diagnostic testing, it was discovered the colon cancer had returned. I began chemotherapy treatments a short 34 days after being diagnosed with stage I colon cancer for the second time.
One of my favorite quotes is “What we lost in the fire; we’ll find in the ashes”. I have persevered after each diagnosis not only in pushing my physical limitations but also striving to improve the lives of countless others. I have raised significant, critical funding toward treatments and ultimately a cure for IBD through the Foundation’s Team Challenge program.
I have traveled the Asia-Pacific region helping to provide clean drinking water and hygiene programs to underdeveloped areas, assisted in building and expanding international schools for orphans in Cambodia, supported the establishment and care of an all-girls music school in Afghanistan, served as an advocate for indigenous peoples, and influenced legislation in my home state on behalf of at-risk youth. Recently, I posted on social media 'We are as great or as little as the object of our hope. We are as great or little as the object of our love.'”
