Statesboro City Council Member Gary Lewis is recovering this weekend after undergoing surgery to remove cancerous tissue from his colon.

    “I feel better,” Lewis said Friday, as he prepared to go home from East Georgia Regional Medical Center.

    Lewis had surgery Monday to remove a large portion of his colon, found to be cancerous. He said the cancer was discovered during a routine colonoscopy. Lewis said he had no problems or symptoms prior to the procedure.

    “Well, they recommend that everyone get one at the age of 50," he said. "I was seven years overdue, so it was time to get checked. I definitely recommend that everyone get checked.”

    Most physicians, and the American Gastroenterological Association, recommend that people with no risk factors for colorectal cancer start screening tests at age 50. Individuals who have family history of polyps, a sibling or parent for example, should be tested earlier.

    Lewis said he was grateful for all the people who came to see him in the hospital and sent cards or flowers.

    “I want to thank my wife and sisters for being with me through the whole ordeal,” he said. “I also want to thank everybody who visited and all the churches that said a prayer for me. I know a lot of people prayed for me. When prayers go up, blessings come down.”

    Lewis was appreciative of the staff at East Georgia Regional.

    Lewis said he expects to make a full recovery in a couple of weeks.

    He said he will be more vocal about urging people to get screened and having a colonoscopy.

    “The doctors can’t tell you when you’re gonna die,” said Lewis, “but they sure can tell you what’s killing you.”