Woman who lost husband to colon cancer urges early screening

When Christi Andringa looks back on photos of her late husband, Rob, she’s reminded of the great man he was — kind, super funny and someone who everyone loved.

“He made you feel like you were the most important person in the room,” she said.

Rob was in good shape — he had always been athletic and didn’t have any health issues. So, when he started feeling “off,” he knew he needed to get checked.

After some additional testing, Rob and his family were given devastating news.

“They said, ‘You have cancer,’” Christi said. “Stage 4, incurable colon cancer with metastasis to the liver and 60-plus lymph nodes, which makes him inoperable.”

Rob didn’t have a family history with colon cancer and aside from a few feelings of being tired or some very gradual weight loss, there weren’t any major symptoms.

Rob was diagnosed at the age of 49. At the time, the recommended age to begin screening for colon cancer was 50. It’s now been lowered to 45, due to a dramatic increase in colorectal cancer cases. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. 

“Twenty-four hours prior to his death, Rob weighed probably 125 pounds,” Christi said. “He rolled over and he threw his hands in the air and said, ‘I love you so much,’ and then he rolled over one more time and he threw both of his hands in the air, and he said, ‘I have work to do.’ I didn’t know what that meant. But I think what he was saying was, ‘I’m going to speak through you and we’re going to help people.’”

Although Rob is no longer here, Christi is a passionate advocate who helps urge others to listen to their body and get screened when the time comes.

“The best way to save your life is early detection,” she said. “I’m simply sharing an important message. I’m simply letting people know, get screened — it could save your life.”

Learn more information about the recommended colon cancer screening guidelines.