The singer-guitarist of the Texas country-rock band encouraged anyone over 45 to book a routine colonoscopy

Gordy Quist, singer and guitarist of country quintet the Band of Heathens , announced that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a post on the band’s social media, Quist told fans that the diagnosis came after a routine colonoscopy, and he had not been experiencing any symptoms.

“I would urge all of you to please get your colonoscopy if you are overdue,” Quist said in the video. “It’s super easy, not a big deal and I’m very fortunate that I went to get mine because I’ve had zero symptoms and likely would not have had symptoms for a while now.” He went on to share that he will not be touring with the band for the foreseeable future so he can “dive headfirst into this challenge” and focus on treatment — though he encouraged fans to still catch the Band of Heathens on tour with Donovan Frankenreiter and promised a collaborative show.…