Who has surgery to prevent colon cancer?

In this episode, Dan “Dry Dock” Shockley shares his journey with attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP), a hereditary condition that increases the risk of colon cancer. He discusses the discovery of his condition, the importance of genetic counseling, and his proactive approach to managing his health. Dan emphasizes the importance of advocacy, education, and the need to destigmatize living with an ostomy. He talks about the role of humor and resilience in facing health challenges and highlights his commitment to educating medical professionals about rare diseases. His mantra, 'Always forge ahead with a purpose,' encapsulates his approach to life and advocacy.

Takeaways:

• Attenuated FAP is a hereditary condition linked to colon cancer.
• Dan's military background has helped him adapt to his health challenges.
• Dan aims to educate future medical professionals about hereditary cancer.
• He advocates for silencing the stigma surrounding ostomy living.
• He encourages others to embrace their health journeys without shame.

Dan is a retired Navy, Operation Desert Storm, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran. He is a 13 year hereditary colon cancer syndrome WARRIOR. Dan was diagnosed with attenuated FAP, Variant c.2252.del, after his first and only colonoscopy at age of 51, and he was asymptomatic with no family history. Dan is a live-case presentation for the Stanford School of Medicine, Molecular Foundations of Medicine course and Stanford MS Program. He is also a virtual live-case presentation for the Harvard Medical School, Genomes2People Research Program and a patient advocate for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

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Here are more resources related to today’s topic:

• United Ostomy Association of America, ostomy.org
• NIH page on Attenuated Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
• Information on the APC gene from FORCE
• Colorectal Cancer Alliance
• Findageneticcounselor.org

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Note that this podcast is for entertainment and education and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician with any questions you may