In this episode, we are joined by Dan Dry Dock Shockley, a retired Navy veteran and advocate living with a hereditary colon cancer syndrome. Dan’s journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for hereditary cancer awareness is both inspiring and educational. Tune in as we delve into his personal experiences, the importance of early detection, and his ongoing mission to educate others.

Discussion Topics

• Dan's Diagnosis and Perspective: Diagnosed at age 51 with no symptoms and no family history of colon cancer. He shares how this diagnosis shaped his perspective on health and life.
• Genetic Testing Journey: Details about who ordered Dan's genetic testing and the education and counseling he received and the information about his specific genetic variant.
• Understanding Attenuated FAP: Explanation of attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis (AFAP) and its impact on Dan’s life.
• Advocacy and Inspiration:What inspired Dan to become an advocate for hereditary colon cancer syndrome and pancreatic cancer awareness.
• Importance of Early Detection: The crucial role of colonoscopies in early cancer detection and treatment, especially in the context of hereditary cancer syndromes like AFAP.
• Meeting Dr. Henry Lynch: Dan’s experience meeting Dr. Henry Lynch, a pioneer in cancer genetics and the significance of Dr. Lynch's groundbreaking work.
• Continuing Dr. Lynch's Legacy: Dan's motivation to continue Dr. Henry T. Lynch's legacy of educating medical students and professionals about AFAP. 
• Navigating with a Positive Attitude: How Dan’s mantra, "Always Forge Ahead with a Purpose," and its significance in guiding him.
• Myth-busting Hereditary Cancer Syndromes: Common misconceptions about hereditary cancer syndromes and how Dan addresses them.
• Advice for Others: Dan’s advice for individuals diagnosed with hereditary cancer syndromes or undergoing cancer treatment.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today next Friday! New episodes are released every Friday. In the meantime, you can binge over 290 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel, this includes some episodes recorded at NBC Universal Stamford Studios. 

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