Jim Hopkins, a 72-year-old former construction worker turned school janitor, thought he was invincible. He believed that as long as he didn’t feel sick, he wouldn’t need to worry about his health. However, after noticing blood in his stool, Jim finally got his first colonoscopy at age 71 and was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
Regretting not taking his doctor’s advice, Jim wishes he had undergone screenings like colonoscopies earlier. He now receives radiation treatments and chemotherapy every two weeks and is grateful for the care he receives at the cancer center. Despite the treatment, Jim’s cancer won’t be cured, but it will allow him to enjoy life and spend time with his family.
Jim’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of following doctor’s recommendations for colon cancer screenings. He emphasizes that taking care of one’s health is crucial, especially when it comes to detecting pre-cancerous polyps. Jim encourages others to be proactive about their health, saying, “Don’t be bullheaded like me. Go and get a colonoscopy whenever your doctor recommends it.”
Source: https://www.wellspan.org/articles/2025/03/web-tough-guy-says-get-a-colonoscopy-3-3-25