My name is Michael Caprio and I am a fourth-generation FAP patient. I was diagnosed during my senior year of high school, a confusing time as it is without being diagnosed with a scary disease you can barely pronounce or spell. Being diagnosed made it feel infinitely more complicated. I wasn’t even sure what my life would look like after high school since I was scheduled to get operated on a few short weeks upon graduation.

At 18 years old, just two weeks after graduating high school, I had a total colectomy at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and had a J Pouch constructed out of the end of my small intestine. Since then, I’ve been proactive with being on top of my health through diet changes and consistent exercise as well as follow-up care to manage my situation.

One of the more challenging aspects has been seeing the impact of FAP across multiple generations of my family. That perspective has reinforced the importance of early detection, routine surveillance, and staying informed.

In addition to managing my own health, I’ve worked to raise awareness around FAP by writing my story in the form of a memoir called A Bump in the Road, which shares me and my families experience with the condition and the lessons I learned from the situation. I also like to spend my free time volunteering with non profits for colorectal cancer and genetic conditions similar to FAP.

For those living with FAP, I will keep my advice simple. Stay on top of your screenings as the years go by, listen to your body and remember that your attitude is the strongest tool in your belt. You can be informed and proactive but it is also important to make sure your mental well-being is in check also.

Michael wrote a book about his medical experiences with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Bump in the Road: My Medical Journey over Potholes, Detours and the Bridge to Gratitude