Utah Orthopedic Surgeon Battles Stage 3 Colon Cancer at 47

A Doctor's Unexpected Diagnosis

At 47 years old, orthopedic surgeon Todd Grunander never expected to hear the word cancer, let alone colon cancer. The Ogden-based physician had been dealing with extreme fatigue and stomach issues, initially chalking them up to food poisoning or the flu. When his symptoms worsened, doctors did a CT scan and discovered a tumor: stage 3 colon cancer.

The diagnosis came just three years after the family lost their daughter, Grace, to a heart condition. "Having lost their sister, it was extremely traumatizing and terrible for them to think that they might have to face another loss," said Todd's wife, Megan, who is a general surgeon. The couple's story underscores a sobering reality: "Don't think that cancer won't ever affect you, because we're living proof of it — we had no reason to think it would affect us and affect Todd."

"I came up with every excuse in the book to not get my colonoscopy," Grunander admitted. His reluctance to undergo screening mirrors a troubling national trend, despite mounting evidence that early detection saves lives.

The Growing Threat to Younger Adults

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death for men and women under 50. The statistics paint a stark picture: About 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. Perhaps most concerning, 30% of colon cancer diagnoses are found in people under 55.

This alarming trend prompted medical organizations to lower the recommended screening age. Rates are also rising among adults under 50, which is why screening is now recommended starting at age 45. The change reflects a new understanding of who's at risk and when intervention becomes critical.

"If you have a colon, you're at risk for getting colon cancer," said Dr. Kyle Eliason, a gastroenterologist at Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden. The warning signs include rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, anemia, changes in bowel movements, and lower abdominal pain, though colon cancer starts as polyps and usually develops slowly for 10 to 15 years. Many people with colon cancer don't have any symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important.

The Power of Early Detection

The difference between early and late diagnosis cannot be overstated. When colon cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is about 90%, according to the American Cancer Society. However, the five-year survival rate for CRC is approximately 91% for stages I and II but declines to 13% for stage IV. Only 1 in 3 cases are diagnosed at stage I or II.

Screening helps catch cancer early when it's most treatable and can even prevent cancer through colonoscopies by removing polyps before they turn cancerous. The process is straightforward: during a colonoscopy, doctors can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into full-blown cancer. "Most cancers develop slowly from precancerous polyps over many years," he said. "Screening allows physicians to detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer."

Most insurance plans cover the procedure. For those at average risk, colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening and should be done every 10 years if no issues are found.

A Surgeon's Message

After surgery and chemotherapy, Grunander is finally feeling healthier. But his experience has transformed him into an advocate for the very procedure he once avoided. "Get a colonoscopy — even if you have no symptoms," he said. "It saves lives."

His message carries particular weight given his medical background and personal journey through cancer treatment. The irony isn't lost on him that as a healthcare professional, he fell into the same trap many patients do: assuming it won't happen to them, finding excuses to delay screening, and only acting when symptoms force the issue.

Grunander's story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope. While his diagnosis came later than it should have, his recovery demonstrates that even advanced colon cancer can be successfully treated. The key lesson remains unchanged: with regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices, colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. The question isn't whether you're at risk — it's whether you'll act on that risk before it's too late.