Colorado Man's Life Insurance Check-Up Leads to Life-Saving Cancer Discovery, Highlighting Importance of Preventive Care

A routine life insurance update became a life-saving wake-up call for Colorado Springs resident Curtis Jackson, 46, demonstrating to Colorado families the critical importance of regular health screenings and preventive care.

Jackson's story serves as a powerful reminder to Coloradans about listening to their bodies and following up on concerning medical results. While feeling healthy and active - like many Colorado outdoor enthusiasts - Jackson had no idea he was harboring a serious condition until a life insurance physical revealed troubling liver numbers.

Silent Killer Caught Early

What started as questionable bloodwork led to the discovery of a rare condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and eventually, a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma - a deadly form of bile duct cancer that often goes undetected until it's too late.

"I was feeling fine ... and both times netted a result of something pretty serious," Jackson shared, reflecting on his unexpected journey from health screening to cancer diagnosis.

Understanding the Risks

According to Mayo Clinic experts, cholangiocarcinoma is particularly dangerous because:

• It affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in the U.S.
• Diagnoses have increased more than 50% in the past decade
• Less than 10% of patients survive beyond five years
• About 20% of people with PSC develop this cancer

Hope for Colorado Families

Jackson's story offers hope to Colorado families facing similar diagnoses. Thanks to early detection, he received a successful liver transplant and is now cancer-free. His recovery serves as an inspiration to other Coloradans battling serious illnesses.

Call to Action for Organ Donation

For Colorado's transplant community, Jackson's experience highlights the critical need for organ donors in our state. He's now advocating for increased awareness about organ donation, a message that resonates deeply in Colorado's tight-knit communities.

"I have a new passion now," Jackson explained. "I'm here because of these things. I would like to help this going forward and make sure people are learning the importance of donation."

For Colorado residents interested in becoming organ donors or learning more about preventive health screenings, resources are available through the Donate Life Colorado registry and local healthcare providers.

Moving Forward

Today, Jackson is back to enjoying Colorado's active lifestyle, though with some temporary limitations. His story serves as a powerful reminder to local families about the importance of regular health screenings and following up on concerning test results, even when feeling healthy.

This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.