How a Routine Colonoscopy at OU Health Saved Jamie Gray’s Life

When Jamie Gray of Edmond turned 50, she knew it was time for her first colonoscopy. Little did she know that this routine screening would lead to a life-changing diagnosis and a powerful message about the importance of early detection.

Jamie's journey to getting her first colonoscopy wasn't straightforward, however. At 50, her doctor at the time ordered a Cologuard test - a non-invasive screening method. However, Jamie's insurance wouldn't cover it. Jamie asked to have a colonoscopy instead, but her doctor never followed through with scheduling one.

For three years, Jamie tried to get her colonoscopy, but to no avail.

“Sometimes, we need to be our own health advocates,” Jamie said. “If you feel that your health concerns aren't being addressed, it's okay to seek a second opinion or find a new healthcare provider. That’s just what I did.”

At 53, Jamie decided to switch to a new doctor at OU Health. During her first visit with OU Health primary care physician Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, M.D., in August 2023, Jamie was clear about her needs.

“I told her, ‘I am 53 now, and I still have not had a colonoscopy,’" Jamie said. “Dr. Nelson took immediate action and scheduled me for the procedure.”

On November 9, 2023, Jamie went in for her first colonoscopy with OU Health gastroenterologist Dr. George Salem, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Director of Crohn’s and Colitis Center at OU Health. Although Jamie had no symptoms, the results were unexpected and life-altering.

"Before I even left, he said that I had cancer,” she said. While this news would be frightening for anyone, Jamie's experience at OU Health made all the difference.

Swift Action and Comprehensive Care

“Breaking news like this, especially when young patients are having the procedure for screening’ purposes, is always challenging because they are completely asymptomatic,” said Dr. Salem.

“While she was still recovering from anesthesia, I placed the orders to have Jamie go through the staging process with certain blood tests and an imaging exam. By the time she was fully awake, I met with her and showed her the endoscopic findings. She was – unsurprisingly – shocked at the beginning, and not sure what would happen.”

Dr. Salem didn't waste any time. He walked her through the process of “staging,” and she had her labs and all the imaging needed done within two hours of the colonoscopy exam.

"He immediately whisked me back and did a full body scan to make sure that it hadn't spread or metastasized," Jamie said. “He also immediately set me up with a surgeon to remove the tumor. He told me that if anyone gave me any problems or hassles about timing to call him. No one did, of course, but that just shows how supportive he was.”

“She was cancer-free within three weeks of the diagnosis,” said Dr. Salem

OU Health colon and rectal cancer surgeon Dr. Kristina Booth, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, removed the part of the colon containing the tumor. Fortunately, Jamie's cancer was caught at Stage 1.

"I was really lucky. The tumor was all contained right there in the colon section," Jamie said. “I didn’t even have to have chemotherapy. Thanks to the early detection, they got it all.”

The Power of Early Detection

Jamie's story underscores the critical importance of getting screened on time. Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in adults in the United States, said Dr. Salem, and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Colon cancer is primary cause of cancer-related death for men under the age of 50. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer in all adults – starting at age 45.

“If Jamie hadn’t had a screening when she did, I think her tumor would have significantly progressed and the cancer cells would have further invaded the entire lining of the colon at the tumor location site, and moved to other organs,” Dr. Salem said. “The treatment plan would have been way more complex – needing chemotherapy and probably be more palliative than curative at that stage.”

Jamie's diagnosis didn't just impact her - it has implications for her entire family.

"They told me my children need to start getting screened at 40," Jamie said, adding she wasn’t the only one in her family to face colon cancer. One of her older sisters had also been diagnosed with colon polyps that had turned cancerous.

"That's two out of five children with colon cancer,” she said. “So, our whole family needs to stay on top of it. But, at OU Health, all the doctors treated me wonderfully. They were all very caring and very knowledgeable.”

Today, Jamie is doing well. She'll need follow-up colonoscopies for surveillance purposes and will see an oncologist annually for five years for blood work and check-ups. But her prognosis is good, and she's living life to the fullest.

"I'm fortunate because I’m 56 years old now and healthy,” she said. “This has made me a strong advocate for colon cancer screening. I tell all my children, nieces and friends to get screened early.”

Don't Wait, Get Screened

Jamie's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of regular health screenings, said Dr. Salem. Colon cancer, when caught early, is curable.

“Early detection could prevent more than 90% of colorectal cancer–related deaths, yet more than one third of the screening-eligible population is not up to date with screening despite multiple available tests,” said Dr. Salem.

The United States Preventative Task Force recommends screening for all adults at the age of 45. Other patients may need exams earlier, and on more frequent intervals, if they have certain risk factors for colon cancer.

Several testing methods for screening for colon cancer exist, including quality colonoscopy with a fellowship trained gastroenterologist, which is the gold standard for screening for colorectal cancer. Other options like stool-based tests, and more recently a blood-based test, are used to check for certain markers in the stool or the blood, and can be helpful as a “gated” exam for colonoscopy.

"The faster you can get screened when you're eligible, and the quicker your doctor can get you in for a specialist if there's a problem, can be the difference between life and death,” Jamie said. “Don’t let anybody bully you into not getting tests. Your future self will thank you.”

Learn more about colonoscopy screening at the OU Health Gastroenterology Clinic and OU Health Crohn’s and Colitis Center, with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care at Stephenson Cancer Center, or speak to an expert by calling (405) 359-5229 or (405) 271-1112.