JOSH HAEDER IS a man who wears many hats. As the state treasurer for South Dakota, voice of Tiger athletics at Huron Arena and a business owner in Huron, he is used to the spotlight and the fast-paced world of politics and commerce. But recently, Haeder stepped in front of the camera for a different reason: to share his experience with a routine colonoscopy at Huron Regional Medical Center. Haeder’s motivation was simple. He recently turned 45, the new “gold standard” age for beginning colorectal cancer screenings. Like many people, he felt a bit of trepidation about the procedure.

“I was nervous about the process, but really it was very simple,” Haeder says. “It’s important that people do this screening because it’s better to fi nd things early. I say it’s like a day of su ering through the prep process versus detecting colorectal cancer when you’re in Stage 2, 3 or 4.”

THE POWER OF PREVENTION
For Haeder, the decision to schedule his colonoscopy came down to family. He credits his wife for being the driving force behind his screening.

“If she wouldn’t have told me, ‘Hey, you’re old now, you’re getting close to middle age, it’s time to get this done,’ we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation,” he says. By sharing his story, Haeder hopes to strip away the taboo often associated with colon health.

“We all want to live a long time. We want to have good married lives, kids and grandkids,” Haeder says.

“If you’re not doing those screenings, you’re leaving things to chance.” Haeder found comfort in the care he received locally. After meeting with Anthony Loewen, MD, the process became much less intimidating.

“Dr. Loewen was incredibly calm and friendly. He explained the process, and that really did ease my nerves.”

WHY 45 IS THE NEW 50
Haeder’s timing was perfect. In recent years, medical organizations like the American Cancer Society have lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45. The reason? A rise in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults.

“There has been a big push to improve screening rates because the incidence of colorectal cancer being diagnosed in patients before age 60 has been increasing by about 1% per year,” Dr. Loewen says.

During a colonoscopy, surgeons look for precancerous lesions called adenomas. According to Dr. Loewen, approximately 1 in 3 men and 1 in 4 women have these lesions.

“The strategy is that we fi nd these when they are small and remove them early so that years down the line they will never turn into cancer,” Dr. Loewen says.

HEALTHY ADVICE
Haeder’s takeaway for his neighbors in Huron is clear: Don’t let fear or “taboo” stand in the way of your health.

“It’s 24 hours of prep work to make sure that you’re healthy,” Haeder says. “If you just let the medical team do their job, they’ll help you stay healthy for your family.”

■ Talk with your primary care provider or visit www.huronregional.org/ goblue to request a colonoscopy consultation or learn more about scheduling your screening.