“Glad I Did It Early” Marco Andretti Shares Important Health Update After Early Colonoscopy and Doctors Removed the Polyp, Leaving Fans Worried About His Health
In a candid social media post that has sparked both relief and concern among racing enthusiasts, retired IndyCar driver Marco Andretti revealed a personal health scare that underscores the critical importance of early detection in preventing colorectal issues.
The 38-year-old scion of the legendary Andretti racing dynasty shared an image of himself recovering in a hospital bed on X, formerly Twitter, on November 13, 2025, accompanied by the caption: “Glad I did it early.” The update detailed his recent decision to undergo an early colonoscopy, during which doctors discovered and promptly removed a polyp—an abnormal tissue growth that can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like cancer if left unchecked.
Andretti’s announcement comes just weeks after he officially hung up his racing helmet in October 2025, ending a storied career that spanned over two decades in open-wheel racing. Known for his daring drives in the Indianapolis 500, where he made one-off appearances for Andretti Global as recently as 2024, Marco has transitioned into a new chapter focused on family and business. The post, viewed thousands of times within hours, highlighted not just his personal experience but also a broader message of proactive health care, especially poignant given the family’s history with colon-related illnesses.
The backdrop to Andretti’s story is deeply intertwined with tragedy and advocacy within his own bloodline. His uncle, John Andretti—a celebrated NASCAR and IndyCar veteran—passed away in January 2020 at the age of 56 after a protracted battle with stage four colon cancer. Diagnosed in 2017 at age 52, John underwent a colectomy to remove part of his colon, followed by rounds of chemotherapy, only for the disease to recur and spread to his liver.
In his final years, John became a tireless crusader for awareness, launching the #CheckIt4Andretti campaign to encourage colonoscopies starting at age 45 or 50, depending on risk factors. His efforts, amplified through social media and partnerships with medical organizations, reportedly saved lives by prompting thousands to schedule screenings. Marco, who has long honored his uncle’s memory, credited the campaign as a key motivator for his own early check-up. “John’s fight changed everything for us,” Andretti told reporters via a follow-up statement. “He made sure we all knew the stakes. I wasn’t waiting around.”
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases in the United States, with the American Cancer Society estimating over 150,000 new cases annually. Early detection via colonoscopy can identify and excise precancerous polyps like the one found in Andretti, boasting a near-100% cure rate for localized stages. However, the procedure’s reputation for discomfort often deters people, particularly men in high-adrenaline professions like racing, where vulnerability feels counterintuitive.
Andretti’s post arrives amid evolving guidelines: In 2018, the ACS lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 for average-risk individuals, a shift partly inspired by rising incidence rates among younger adults—a demographic that includes Marco himself.
Fans’ reactions poured in swiftly, blending admiration for his transparency with palpable worry. “Marco, you’re a warrior on and off the track—praying for a clean bill,” wrote one supporter, echoing sentiments from the broader motorsports community. Others expressed anxiety over the “what ifs,” with comments like, “So glad they caught it, but this hits too close after John. Take care of yourself, man.” The concern stems from the sobering reality that polyps, while often benign, can harbor malignant potential; about 10% progress to cancer over time if not removed.
Andretti’s procedure was outpatient, with no indications of malignancy in initial biopsies, but the emotional weight of the discovery lingers, especially for a new father. Just last month, Marco and his fiancée, Billie Jo Powers, celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Miura Micah Andretti, born in September 2024. “Being a dad has me thinking long-term,” he shared in the post. “This was for her future as much as mine.”
Beyond the immediate health implications, Andretti’s update serves as a rallying cry for the racing world, where physical resilience is prized but preventive care can be overlooked amid grueling schedules. The Andretti Global team, led by Marco’s father Michael, issued a supportive statement praising his “courageous choice” and recommitting to wellness initiatives. They’ve pledged to expand free screening programs through partnerships with organizations like the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation, which continues John’s mission by providing subsidized colonoscopies to underserved communities. Experts in gastroenterology, such as Dr.
Rajiv Shah from Indiana University Health—where John received treatment—emphasize that procedures like Marco’s are quick, with sedation ensuring minimal discomfort. “It’s a small step that can add decades to your life,” Shah noted in a recent interview. “Stories like the Andrettis’ humanize the urgency.”
As Marco recovers, he’s already pivoting to new horizons. In his retirement announcement, he outlined plans to prioritize fatherhood, nurture business ventures in automotive tech, and pen a memoir titled “Defending the Dynasty,” chronicling the Andretti legacy from Mario’s golden era to modern challenges. “Racing taught me speed, but family and health teach you endurance,” he reflected. While fans fret over his well-being—some even launching a #PrayForMarco hashtag—the overall tone is one of cautious optimism. Biopsy results confirming the polyp’s benign nature are expected soon, but for now, Andretti’s words resonate: Early action isn’t just smart; it’s lifesaving.
This episode, though worrisome, reinforces a vital truth in an era when colorectal cancer rates are climbing among under-50s, possibly linked to diet, sedentary lifestyles, and genetics. For the Andretti clan, it’s a chapter of vigilance amid grief, turning personal peril into public good. As Marco heals, his fans—and the racing fraternity—stand ready to cheer him through this off-track battle, reminded that the checkered flag waves for those who dare to check in early.
