A Life-Changing Colonoscopy: David Hungerford’s Journey with Colon Cancer
The Shocking Diagnosis
David Hungerford, a 47-year-old financial adviser from Long Island, never imagined that a routine colonoscopy would change his life forever. In October 2023, at the age of 45, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer following a colonoscopy that his wife, Jill, had booked on the advice of a family friend who was a gastroenterologist at Northwell Health. Hungerford, who had no symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, was shocked by the news. “I was told that the doctor wanted to see me,” he recalled. “And I thought, ‘OK, well, he’s a family friend.’ He’s probably just going to say, ‘Everything is good.’ And as soon as I sat down, he said, ‘We have a problem.’”
The colonoscopy revealed a tumor the size of a small orange blocking his colon, and surgery was scheduled for the following month. Hungerford, who had no prior signs of illness, was suddenly thrust into a battle with cancer. His diagnosis is part of a growing trend: increasing rates of colorectal cancer among people under 50. Now, Hungerford has become an advocate for colonoscopies, especially during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. “You have to take care of yourself,” he said. “I learned that in a way—a hard way.”
The Road to Recovery
The days leading up to the surgery were some of the most challenging for Hungerford. He had to prepare his body for the procedure by ensuring his bowels were empty and bacteria-free, but the tumor had caused a complete blockage. He started feeling nauseous and vomiting, and he began to panic. “I was blocked,” he explained. “So I was 100% blocked within 24, maybe 36 or 48 hours of the surgery. I started to panic.”
Dr. David Rivadeneira, director of the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Huntington, moved up the surgery and reassured Hungerford that everything would be okay. The tumor was identified as an adenocarcinoma, the most common type of colon cancer. After the surgery, Hungerford underwent five months of chemotherapy, from December 2023 through May 2024. The treatment left him feeling energized due to the steroids but completely wiped out when their effects wore off. He also had to deal with the challenges of having a colostomy bag, which he described as “very limiting” for someone his age and career. “I wouldn’t wish that on anybody,” he said.
Missed Signs and the Importance of Early Detection
Looking back on his experience, Hungerford reflects on the signs he might have missed. Two physicals before his diagnosis showed that he was slightly anemic, a common indicator of colorectal cancer. However, he did not experience the typical symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, or dizziness. Rivadeneira explained that colon tumors often bleed slowly, leading to a depletion of red blood cells and iron, which can cause anemia. Hungerford required 10 iron infusions to boost his hemoglobin before his tumor was removed.
Rivadeneira emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that colon and rectal cancer is highly curable when caught in its early stages. Hungerford’s case highlights the importance of adhering to screening guidelines, especially for those at average risk. His major regret is waiting 10 months after turning 45 to get the colonoscopy. “If I had it right at 45, I probably wouldn’t have been blocked the morning of my surgery,” he said.
A New Lease on Life and a Mission to Spread Awareness
Today, Hungerford is cancer-free, and his prognosis is excellent. Rivadeneira noted that if Hungerford had not undergone the colonoscopy when he did, his condition could have worsened, potentially leading to intestinal perforation or a much poorer prognosis. Hungerford’s experience has turned him into an unofficial cheerleader for colonoscopies. He proudly wears a T-shirt that reads, “Don’t sit on it any longer—get screened for colon cancer,” and he estimates that he has inspired over 50 people to schedule colonoscopies by sharing his story on social media.
By speaking out, Hungerford hopes to prevent others from going through the same ordeal. “I’m just trying to promote the heck out of it,” he said. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of taking control of one’s health and not ignoring routine screenings. David Hungerford’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the life-saving impact of early detection.
