I just felt a huge wave of relief reading that your sister-in-law is doing okay! I’m sure it was a really scary time for her, and for your entire family. We definitely need to keep raising awareness. I just found out the Colon Cancer Alliance has a “Never Too Young” campaign, which is much-needed. Until I looked at their site, I had no idea that while the incidence of colon cancer in people over 50 is dropping, it is actually RISING in people under 50.

Colleen, I am SO glad to hear you caught it early and that your doctors were tuned in enough to investigate cancer as a possibility! I can’t imagine the fear being diagnosed so young. Yay for being cancer-free!!!!

Yep, I’m one of those lucky family members who gets to have early & more frequent colonoscopies, just to be safe. I had my first over the summer and it was really not bad at all – nothing for people to avoid. We need to educate people about that too, don’t you think?!

I know it’s not something I would have considered before she had her experience, so thanks for raising awareness.

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer when I was 26. I was lucky because the cancer was in my rectum and I noticed bleeding, which led me to see a doctor. My doctor sent me to a specialist. They both kept saying, “I’m sure you’re much too young for this to be anything, but let’s run this test, just to be safe.” Thank goodness they didn’t dismiss my symptoms. My cancer was caught early and, after two successful surgeries, I was pronounced cancer-free. Now, 16 years later, I still get regular colonoscopies, as do all my family members (you’re welcome, guys!).

Please listen to your gut (literally) and get any strange or weird symptoms checked out. Colon cancer is very treatable if it’s caught early.

I am so glad that (it sounds like) your dad is okay. Poop is such a “taboo” topic – except with our kids, right? – but we’ve got to be aware of it. Thanks for seconding the notion!

Thank you, Danielle!