Colonoscopy checkup vital to health

Editor:

To my friends and family.

My name is Luis Villescas, and I am currently 61 years old. I’m writing this letter to encourage anyone aged 45 and older to get screened for colon cancer. I did — and it saved my life.

In 2019, I lost a dear friend to colon cancer because he never got screened. My doctor at MD Anderson in Houston, Dr. Gottumukkala Raju — one of the top gastroenterologists in the country — shared with me that he has seen a high number of colon cancer cases from the Rio Grande Valley, often because people didn’t get screened in time.

For those who have gone through the process, you know that preparing for the exam the night before is uncomfortable and unpleasant. But it’s just one night — a small sacrifice that could save your life.

Dr. Raju also informed me that the Cologuard test, while helpful, is not 100% accurate because it doesn’t detect polyps. A colonoscopy is the most reliable method. If you’re an employee of the PSJA School District, your insurance covers the cost of the exam.

In closing, I pray that this message reaches someone who needs it. Please get screened — for your health, for your family, and for your loved ones.

Luis Villescas Pharr