| Why a nurse’s father screened regularly—and why it still saved his life. ͏ C.A.N.C.E.R. As an Occupational Health nurse at GE Appliances, I know what that word means. I understand the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis. But as a daughter, the word suddenly meant something very different. It felt heavy, scary, and deeply personal. Even now, I sometimes struggle to say the word out loud. When I first heard the diagnosis, my mind raced with questions. How was I going to support my dad through this? How could I be his strength, his advocate, his source of encouragement? How would our family navigate what was ahead? What made the diagnosis even more shocking was that my dad had done everything right. For the past 15 years, he had faithfully completed a colonoscopy every three years. He had no symptoms at all—no abdominal bloating, no changes in bowel habits, no blood in his stool, no loss of appetite. Nothing that would have suggested something was wrong. Yet during his screening, doctors discovered a grapefruit-sized mass in his colon. Thankfully, we had an incredible medical team supporting us. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor, and because of its size, the safest solution was to create an ostomy. Since then, our family has been adjusting to a new normal filled with chemotherapy treatments, weekly doctor appointments, lab work, physical therapy, and all the challenges that come with a cancer journey. Through this experience, one thing has become incredibly clear to me: routine screenings matter. Even when you feel healthy. Even when you have no symptoms. Even when you think it couldn’t happen to you. Colonoscopies and other preventive screenings save lives. Cancer can appear unexpectedly—even when someone has done everything right—but early detection can make all the difference in treatment and outcomes. Many of you may have faced cancer personally or supported a loved one through their journey. If that’s you, please know you are not alone. Cancer is scary—I truly understand that now in a way I never did before—but support, awareness, and early detection can make a powerful difference. This is the reality of colorectal cancer: it is often a silent disease. While it is the second leading cause of cancer death, it is also up to 90% treatable or preventable when caught early through screening. Please take care of yourselves and stay up to date on your screenings. It could save your life. At‑Home Colon Cancer Screening Made Easy Cologuard® is an FDA‑approved, non‑invasive colorectal cancer screening you can complete at home. There’s no prep, no fasting, and no time off work—just collect your sample privately and mail it back. The test uses advanced DNA technology to detect early signs of cancer and precancerous polyps. You may be eligible if you are 45 or older, at average risk, and have not had a colonoscopy in the past 10 years or a Cologuard test in the past 3 years. Cologuard is for adults 45+ at average risk and is not a replacement for a colonoscopy if you are high risk or experiencing symptoms. A CareATC provider can help determine the right screening for you. CareATC Onsite: Confidential Primary Care for You CareATC offers low or no-cost, high-quality medical care, including primary care visits, prescriptions, lab tests, and counseling—all in a private, comfortable setting. It’s not open to the public, ensuring shorter waits and unrushed appointments for GE Appliances employees and their family members at Appliance Park, Roper and Monogram. Hourly employees can use ON-THE-CLOCK care. Your care is always completely confidential. Start your health journey today at GEAppliancesWellWithin.com for helpful resources and inspiring employee stories about what matters most—your emotional, social, physical, and financial wellbeing. |
