Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney broadcast their colonoscopies for a good cause

New York - Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are leading from behind with their latest video, which raises awareness of the life-saving potential of colonoscopies.

The doctor (l.) showed Ryan Reynolds (45) the colon polyp that had to be removed.
The doctor (l.) showed Ryan Reynolds (45) the colon polyp that had to be removed.  © Ryan Reynolds/YouTube

In a YouTube video shared on Tuesday, the two stars gave everyone a deep look into a medical process that can sound scary, but is actually incredibly efficient in preventing disease.

"Rob and I both turned 45 this year and part of being this age is getting a colonoscopy." the Deadpool actor explained. "It's a simple step that could literally – and I mean literally – save your life."

Sure, there's a bit of comedic artifice as the whole stunt gets passed off as a bet Reynolds lost to McElhenney. But once the two co-chairmen of the Welsh soccer club Wrexham step into the NYU Lagone medical center, things get serious.

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"I would never normally have any medical procedure put on camera and then shared, but it's not every day that you can raise awareness of something that will most definitely save lives," Reynolds says in the near-7-minute video.

"That's enough motivation for me to let you in on a camera being shoved up my a**."

Reynolds and McElhenney get some good news

Rob McElhenney (45) also had to have some colon polyps removed.
Rob McElhenney (45) also had to have some colon polyps removed.  © Ryan Reynolds/YouTube

Sure enough, Reynolds' point is proved by the results of his colonoscopy.

Dr. Jon LaPook, who is also the chief medical correspondent for CBS News, delivers the news: "I was able to find an extremely subtle polyp... This was potentially life-saving for you. I'm not kidding, I'm not being overly dramatic."

McElhenney's procedure is even more revealing, as it leads to three intestinal polyps being discovered and removed.

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Those polyps can eventually become malignant and lead to colorectal cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the US.

The video ends with a crucial message: "If you're 45 or older, ask your doctor about getting a colonoscopy."

Cover photo: Collage: Ryan Reynolds/YouTube

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