Senior Pastor of Lebanon First United Methodist Church, Ryan Bennett took a test that saved his life; now, he encourages others to do the same. In 2019, Pastor Ryan was a part of Leadership Wilson, a local nonprofit that serves to identify, train, and motivate individual citizens in community leadership. Leadership Wilson’s Executive Director and long-time Sherry’s Hope supporter, Dorie Mitchell facilitates each day in the community for Leadership Wilson classes. When Sherry’s Hope began offering free colon cancer screening kits through a partnership with a local gastroenterology practice, Dorie soon decided that it would be a requirement for each class member to complete the test. Dorie explained, “Those in the class who already had a recent colonoscopy aren’t required to take the test, but are encouraged to give it to someone else. Those who have not had a recent colonoscopy are required to complete the colon cancer screening kit from Sherry’s Hope in order to graduate!”

Aiming towards graduation, Pastor Ryan completed the test as did the rest of his peers. Just 47 at the time, Pastor Ryan was not eligible for a routine colonoscopy without the presence of concerning symptoms. The recommended age for a colonoscopy at that time was 50, but has since been lowered to 45 by The American Cancer Society. Pastor Ryan received his results from his free colon cancer screening kit, which tests for occult blood in stool that could suggest more serious underlying issues. His results were positive, which meant he needed to consult with his doctor.

After a visit with his primary care physician, he was referred to a gastroenterologist. Because of the positive results of the test kit, he was scheduled for a colonoscopy. Three polyps were found and removed during the colonoscopy. After the procedure, Pastor Ryan’s gastroenterologist explained that these polyps could’ve been a much more serious problem if he had waited until he was 50 to have a colonoscopy. Because Pastor Ryan took the free colon cancer screening kit, he was able to avoid polyps progressing into colon cancer. He is now polyp-free and is on a schedule for routine colonoscopies!

When asked what he would like to say to those who may be apprehensive about taking a free colon cancer screening kit, Pastor Ryan remarked, “The test is really not a big deal to complete, and there could be a huge benefit from taking it!” While colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, it is also one of the most treatable when found early. The problem is that in many cases, once you have symptoms the cancer is often too far progressed. This is why Sherry’s Hope strives to create community awareness for colon cancer! If you would like to request a FREE colon cancer screening test, please reach out to info@sherryshope.org or call/text 615-925-2592 with your name, contact number, mailing address and the number of kits you would like to order.

Please remember that the test kit does not replace a colonoscopy. If you have a family or personal history of polyps, a family or personal history of colon cancer, or if you have been experiencing any changes in your digestion or bowel habits, you need to make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist.

To learn more about Sherry’s Hope, please call 615-925-2592. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email help@sherryshope.org. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope, click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.