It was a close call for Ryan Reynolds after doctors discovered a ‘subtle polyp’ on his colon during his first colonoscopy, which he was broadcasting in order to de-stigmatize the procedure.
Reynolds, 45, and his Wrexham soccer club co-chairman, Rob McElhenney, decided to partner up with Lead From Behind, a colon cancer awareness organization, to encourage people, especially men, to get the procedure when the time comes.
In a YouTube video uploaded to Reynold’s page Tuesday, the two explained they wanted to prove how the simple step can save lives.
“I would never normally have any medical procedure put on camera and then shared,” Reynolds said. “But it’s not every day that you can raise awareness about something that will most definitely save lives. That’s enough motivation for me to let you in on a camera being shoved up my ass.”
While the procedure was taking place, Reynolds found out that the doctor found an “extremely subtle polyp” on the right side of his colon, which was promptly removed.
“This was potentially life-saving for you. I’m not kidding, I’m not being overly dramatic,” the doctor told the actor as he showed off images of the tissue. “This is exactly why you do this. You had no symptoms.”
As for McElhenney, his doctor revealed, “We found three polyps that were’nt a big deal, but certainly a good thing that we found them early and removed them.”
McElhenney also 45, joked around that he won over Reynolds, since he had two more polyps than him.
“Colon cancer is preventable,” a message read across a black screen at the end of the video. “If you’re 45 years or older, ask your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. And help Rob and Ryan kick cancer’s a—.”
I’m not trying to diminish the possible seriousness of colon polyps but it is not uncommon to have colon polyps. They usually remove them during the procedure. In fact, I have not known anyone that got a colonoscopy that didn’t had polyps. Maybe this is why a colonoscopy is so important; to get those polyps removed before they turn into something more serious
What you’re saying is true about polyps however the one they found on his right side was a completely different thing! Like you said I too have them removed nearly every time! However 2 years ago I had the same as Ryan and these turn cancerous. much faster with no symptoms!
People just get a colonoscopy! They’re no big deal but can save your life!
i didn’t have any polyps when i had my colonoscopy
Me either. I don’t think most people have polyps. I think they might have some diverticula. At any rate, I have always been told that if polyps are found, they need to be removed and a biopsy done. We lost a young friend last year to colon cancer – 34 years old. Get your colonoscopy.