Colorectal Cancer: Keith's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Keith Akins had worked hard to improve his health before cancer entered the picture. In 2020, he changed his diet and exercise habits and lost 75 lbs, feeling healthier than he had in years. In 2024, his doctor recommended that he start colon cancer screening at 45 rather than waiting until 50. Keith had no symptoms, felt well, and had reassuring blood work, so the colonoscopy felt routine. During the exam, doctors found a concerning spot in his colon and removed tissue for evaluation. On April 11, 2024, after days of waiting, Keith learned he had colon cancer. Because the cancer was found through early screening, his treatment was limited to a partial colectomy. He did not need chemotherapy. Keith’s story is centered on the difference that timely screening made: a cancer found before symptoms, treated surgically, and caught early enough to avoid more intensive therapy. He now uses his experience to encourage others to get screened and to take routine preventive care seriously, even when they feel healthy. His experience also shows that feeling healthy and having normal blood work do not replace screening, because a silent cancer can still be found early enough to change the treatment path.