Bob Stone grew up in Sabattus and spent his career in the banking industry in the Lewiston/Auburn area. Now retired, he splits his time between Maine and Florida.

If cancer taught me anything, it’s that early detection isn’t just for people with a family history. For anyone, it’s the best chance you have at beating the disease. I know that firsthand. I survived prostate cancer because I caught it early, giving me a better than 99% survival rate. Had I waited until the disease had progressed, I may not be here today.

That experience changed how I look at health and prevention. It also made me realize how often people put things off because they’re uncomfortable, inconvenienced or simply easy to ignore. But when it comes to cancer, waiting is the one thing we can’t afford.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer‑related deaths in people under 50. Yet, much like prostate cancer, when colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, the five‑year survival rate is as high as 91%. The key is getting screened early and as recommended.

Here in Maine, nearly a quarter of screening‑eligible adults are behind on recommended screening. The American Cancer Society estimates that 730 Mainers will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and 260 will die from it. Those numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re neighbors, co-workers and family members.

Too many people treat cancer screening like something they’ll “get to later.” But putting it off doesn’t lower your risk. It only increases the chance that a problem goes unnoticed until it’s much harder to treat.

Cancer doesn’t always come with warning signs. You can feel perfectly fine and still have something serious developing. That’s why screening matters. It’s not just for people who feel sick — it’s for people who want to stay healthy and catch disease early, while they still have choices. And today, we have more choices than ever.

Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, and stool‑based tests are widely used. But these traditional methods can be invasive, uncomfortable or simply unappealing for many people. That’s why the availability of a quick and easy blood‑based option is a game‑changer.

Guardant Health’s Shield test — the first and only FDA‑approved blood test for primary colorectal cancer screening for adults 45 and older at average risk — offers exactly that. It’s a simple blood draw that can be done during a routine visit with your primary care physician. No prep. No time off work. No excuses. By lowering barriers, this test is helping more Mainers get screened today.

After surviving cancer, you can’t help but think about how different life could have been if you hadn’t caught the disease when you did. Would delaying that appointment by a couple of months — or even a couple of weeks — have changed everything? It makes you wonder how many people are walking around with cancer growing unnoticed, thinking they have all the time in the world.

That’s why I speak up. Early detection can be the difference between a diagnosis you can manage and one that turns your life upside down. It can mean more time with your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends and your community.

So if you’re at average risk, talk to your doctor about what screenings you may be due for — prostate, colorectal or otherwise. Ask about your options. And most importantly, get screened. Your future self will thank you.