An Early Colon Cancer Diagnosis Makes a Big Difference

Jay Trevino will never forget the day he was diagnosed with colon cancer: June 14, 2024. The diagnosis came out of the blue for the 48-year-old following a change in his primary care physician (PCP).

“When my health insurance changed at work, I had to find a new PCP,” Jay says. “My new doctor wanted me to have a routine Cologuard test for colon cancer, so I did.”

Cologuard is an at-home early colon cancer screening test. When the test showed blood in Jay’s stool, he was immediately referred to a gastroenterologist who scheduled a colonoscopy, the preferred screening and diagnostic tool. The colonoscopy revealed a tumor the size of a golf ball in Jay’s colon.

In the days following the disparaging news, Jay extensively researched colorectal surgeons in south Florida.

“He was very fortunate to catch it early while it was highly treatable.”

“I’m an IT guy so I ‘went down the rabbit hole’ to find the best colon specialist,” he says. “I knew I wanted a surgeon with advanced training and experience. I chose Dr. Boutros at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.”

In addition to being a board-certified colorectal surgeon, Marylise Boutros, MD, is Director of Research of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Regional Digestive Disease Institute where she leads an internationally renowned research program to improve recovery and functional outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery. Board-certified in Colorectal and General Surgery, and Fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic and endoscopic colorectal surgery, Dr. Boutros specializes in advanced minimally invasive approaches to treating colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, fecal incontinence and all anorectal disorders.

“The colonoscopy saved Jay’s life,” says Dr. Boutros. “He had Stage 1 colon cancer and I suspect he had the cancer for a couple of years. He was very fortunate to catch it early while it was highly treatable.”

Dr. Boutros was able to laparoscopically remove all of the tumor through a tiny incision. Within 24 hours, Jay was recovering back at home.  

Since Jay is young and has no other medical comorbidities, his prognosis is very good.  He will be followed by his Cleveland Clinic oncologist, Timmy Nguyen, MD, with periodic blood tests and CT scans.

Jay is extremely grateful the cancer was found early.

“With the significant increase in the number of younger adults presenting with colorectal cancer, the Center for Disease Control now recommends adults get regular colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 years of age,” says Dr. Boutros. “Screening tests help find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.”

Dr. Boutros urges all adults to talk to their doctor about any suspicious symptoms, such as constipation, rectal bleeding, or sudden changes in bowel movements.

“Don’t assume that rectal bleeding is due to hemorrhoids,” she says. “This can be a red flag. I strongly encourage patients not to ignore any new changes.”