Gina Heslop
At the age of 51, the acclaimed actor Will Smith embarked on a unique and revealing journey, chronicled in an 18-minute YouTube vlog. This video documented his very first colonoscopy, a medical procedure that ultimately uncovered a precancerous polyp, emphasizing the importance of early cancer detection.
The video, aptly titled “I Get My First Colonoscopy,” offers viewers an intimate glimpse into Smith’s experience. From the early morning car ride to the Lennar Foundation Medical Center at the University of Miami, through the procedure itself, and up to the moment he receives his test results, Smith shares the entire process. He decided to share this personal journey as a way to raise awareness about the significance of cancer screening.
In the video, Will Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s health and the commitment and occasional embarrassment that come with it. He maintains a light-hearted tone, even during moments of audio problems, where he transforms the video into a silent film, adding humor and informative subtitles.
During a meeting with his physician, Dr. Ala Stanford, Smith lightens the mood with playful exchanges about the procedure’s extent, with humorous flashes of “Tragedy” and “LOL” on the screen. As he faces the impending colonoscopy, Smith’s nerves become apparent, but his relaxed demeanor and humor remain constant throughout the experience.
The video artfully avoids showing the invasive procedure itself, instead transitioning to the recovery room, where Smith is groggy but in good spirits, joking and requesting vodka instead of ice water. He even humorously likens the doctor to “the Martin Scorsese of my ass” during the outfit change.
Several days later, in a video call with Dr. Stanford, Will Smith receives the results, learning that he had a precancerous polyp in his cecum, the largest part of the colon. The doctor explains that 95% of colon cancers arise from this type of polyp. Smith expresses gratitude for her guidance and for being a “compliant” patient. He commits to another colonoscopy in two to three years and concludes the call with a thankful kiss.
Will Smith’s vlog is not just a personal journey but a message of encouragement to others, highlighting the importance of regular health check-ups, early detection, and the possibility of preventing serious health issues through awareness and action. It is a candid and relatable story of a Hollywood icon using his platform to promote well-being and inspire others to prioritize their health for a long and fulfilling life.
