In 2014, when Adetra began noticing bleeding she assumed it was nothing serious. After all, she didn’t drink or smoke, she had no family history of colorectal cancer, and she was three years younger than the recommended screening age.

But after several more months of symptoms, she finally went to her doctor. During her first-ever colonoscopy, several polyps were biopsied, and within days she was diagnosed with Stage III colorectal cancer.

Luckily, Adetra, who has spent 25 years working as a physician billing supervisor at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC), knew she could count on great care at the hospital.

She met with Dr. Swarna Chanduri, specialist in hematology, oncology and internal medicine at PVHMC, to determine the best course of treatment.

After six rounds of chemotherapy, the removal of a tumor and polyps and treatment for infected lymph nodes, Adetra is now cancer free.

Stories like Adetra’s are further evidence of the growing importance of screening.

Over the last several decades, the death rate from colorectal cancer has dropped for both men and women, and one likely reason is that colonoscopies are uncovering colorectal cancer at a point when it is easier to treat. As a result, there are now more than 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society.

“The survival rates of colorectal cancer are extremely encouraging, and it is largely due to the screening process,” says Dr. Chanduri. “For people with no symptoms and no family history of the disease, we recommend having your first colonoscopy at age 50. Those who fall into high risk categories or have a family history should start sooner: either at age 40, or 10 years earlier than the age of your relative at the time of diagnosis.”

Although Adetra’s diagnosis at the age of 47 is uncommon, she followed her instincts and never gave up.

“Early detection is key, but so many people put off screening because the preparation is challenging and they perceive the procedure will be uncomfortable,” she said. “There is no need to be afraid. Encourage a friend to go with you; you don’t need to go alone. And always listen to your body. It tells you a lot about what’s going on.”

If you have recently turned 50, have a family history of colorectal cancer or have been experiencing any symptoms, it is time to take action.

Contact PVHMC’s physician referral service at (909) 865-9858 to coordinate your appointment today.