The Life Saving Screening That Changed Her Life

After delaying colon cancer screening, Queens woman learns importance of preventive care

For most of her life, Merlene Coombs focused on raising her seven children and caring for her family. Though she worked as a home health aide and cared for others, she rarely worried about her own health. That changed last year when a colonoscopy at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens discovered a two-inch mass in her colon that required surgical removal.  

“I was a little nervous, you know, because I’ve never done an operation before,” said Merlene, who lives in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens.

Although the mass was not cancerous, the discovery revealed something more troubling. At 65, this was Merlene’s first colonoscopy, nearly two decades later than recommended. Health officials encourage most people to begin colon cancer screening after turning 45.

When asked why she delayed screening, Merlene said she was unaware most people should start screening at age 45. Before moving to Queens, she said she had a primary care doctor in Jamaica, but did not have annual check-ups.

“I did not go regularly, only when I felt sick,” she said.

Dr. James O’Connor, Chief of Gastroenterology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens, said Merlene is one of the lucky ones. Had she waited any longer, the situation may have been more serious.   

 “Had this been done a few years earlier, there is a much higher chance that it could have been taken out with the colonoscope, not needing an operation,” said Dr. O’Connor. “But had she not had that colonoscopy ever, within a year or two, this would have been a full-blown cancer.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in New York City. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is about 90%.

Merlene’s story underscores a critical health recommendation:  All adults age 45 to 75 are encouraged to be screened for colon cancer. NYC Health + Hospitals offers two different screenings: colonoscopies and FIT tests, which look for signs of blood in the stool. Last year, nearly 60,000 NYC Health + Hospitals patients screened for colon cancer using a FIT test.

Merlene’s journey started at NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Springfield when her Primary Care Physician, Dr. Sai One recommended she undergo a FIT test, even though she was not experiencing any symptoms. Results detected blood in her stool. Upon receiving the positive FIT test, Merlene was referred to NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens for a colonoscopy where providers found a large mass or polyp.

That FIT test, and the follow-up colonoscopy, ultimately saved her life.

To prepare for the surgical procedure to remove the polyp, Dr.  O’Connor and his team met with Merlene and her husband to discuss the findings, recommendations, and post-surgery expectations, even drawing out diagrams of her colon to make sure she fully understood the details of her surgery.

The day of the surgery, Merlene was confident in Dr. O’Connor’s abilities, but was fearful of anesthesia. “That’s what I’m scared of. I’m really, really scared of anesthesia,” said Merlene.

The procedure went smoothly, ending with the surgical staff being surprised by the joyful sounds emanating from Merlene’s post-operative room. “I was there laying on my bed singing. I sing and I sing and I sing. The nurses would come by and say, “oh, you have a beautiful voice.””

Nearly a year later, Merlene’s experience has reshaped her health priorities for her self-care. In addition to her primary care physician, she now sees a nutritionist, dermatologist, endocrinologist, and gastroenterologist. She just underwent a mammogram, and has a follow-up colonoscopy scheduled for July.

“I’m just happy that I did the screening,” she said.   

To schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss your screening options, call 1-844-692-4692.

Read story and watch video of Harlem Hospital’s CEO getting a colonoscopy