02/14/2026
At 49, Phil Decker was the picture of health. A multi-marathon runner in peak physical condition, he walked into his annual physical with Dr. Alecia Allen feeling great. He had no symptoms, no pain and no changes in his habits. But because the screening age had recently dropped to 45, Dr. Allen insisted on a colonoscopy.
That one recommendation changed everything. What Phil expected to be a routine screening revealed stage IV colon cancer that had already spread to his liver.
"Dr. Allen never told me to get a test in my life," Phil says. "When she recommended it, I listened. She’s my guardian angel."
Phil refused to let the diagnosis bench him. While in active chemotherapy, he didn't just stay active — he trained for and ran the Boston Marathon. But he wasn't running for personal glory. Inspired by another patient's cancer story during his first day of chemo, Phil decided to pay it forward.
When friends asked how they could help, Phil’s answer was simple: "Tell your five best friends to get a colonoscopy at 45."
This grew into the "Tell 5 Friends Foundation." Today, Phil’s mission has reached thousands. He personally knows of at least 100 people who've had precancerous polyps removed because they heard his story and got screened. Don't wait for symptoms. Talk to your primary care provider today and schedule your screening. It could be the most important appointment of your life. 💙 https://uph.link/a84
