Getting a colonoscopy is not scary; being diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer at 33 years old is terrifying.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The less known, less discussed, less glamorous of the cancers but the cancer that is on the rise in individuals under age of 40.

Last year, I shared my story of being diagnosed in February 2017 with Stage 4 rectal cancer. After completing radiation, chemo and multiple surgeries, my most recent scan indicates the presences of lung metastasis, which may result in more surgeries this year.

Last November, I had the privilege to attend the National Colorectal Cancer Alliance Conference at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. As I sat in a room filled with blue (the color that represents colorectal cancer), I was reminded that cancer does not discriminate.

Individuals from all backgrounds, races, athletic abilities careers, religions and other defining factors were gathered together with the one commonality of a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The other main commonality is that the majority were under the age of 40 years old and most were diagnosed with late stage colorectal cancer. In fact, individuals under age 40 are 71 percent more likely to be diagnosed with a late stage (Stage 3 or Stage 4) cancer. This means that cancer has already metastasized to other organs within the body and five year survival rate is below 15 percent.

Colorectal cancer oncologists from across the nation spoke to the fact that colorectal cancer is still mistakenly viewed as an “old man’s disease” within the medical community when in fact the diagnosis in people over age 50 continues to decline while diagnosis in individuals under age 40 continues to rise. A speculation as to causes is another discussion for another day. Since 1994, there has been a 51 percent increase in colorectal cancer for those in the 20 to 49 age bracket.

While the medical community has the sophisticated tools to identify colorectal cancer, misdiagnosis as to the cause of symptoms (diet or hemorrhoids) and the ease of disregarding symptoms, misconceptions that colorectal cancer should not occur in someone “so young,” seeing several medical providers before a diagnosis and insurance not covering necessary testing often leads to a delay in diagnosis, hence the cancer continuing to grow and develop until it is not identified until it has progressed to a later stage.

There are also many misconceptions regarding colonoscopies. For those concerned about undergoing a colonoscopy, speak with your medical provider. There are tests such as the fecal occult blood test, which looks for not obvious blood in a stool sample and can indicate the need for further testing. Over 60 percent of deaths caused by colorectal cancer could be avoided with preventative screenings such as colonoscopies.

I can only continue to share my personal journey with you in hopes that it will encourage you or a loved one to be examined if you are experiencing symptoms or have concerns; common symptoms are bloating, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits and narrowing of stool. This past year, progress was made by lowering the recommended colonoscopy screening age to 40 years old which will hopefully improve the early detection rate.

So, what does colorectal cancer look like in a now 35-year-old two years after diagnosis? In the past year my body has gone through an aging process equivalent to 30 years, which includes menopause, hot flashes, weight gain, loss of fertility, skin changes, sleep disruption and fatigue, and neuropathy in my feet.

Physical scars, my outward battle wounds, mark my abdomen. I regularly undergo lymphatic drainage massage because of fluid accumulation in my calves and ankles as a result of lymph node removal, my bowels do not function the same, which has resulted in diet changes and frequent trips to the bathroom in a constant cycle of constipation and diarrhea and rectal pain as a result of radiation.

Chemo brain, which is a change in neurological function resulting in foggy brain and forgetfulness, is a daily occurrence. The daily mental battle of a cancer survivor in managing the trauma of the diagnosis and treatment as well as the fear of reoccurrence is an ever-haunting presence.

I share my journey not for sympathy but for understanding and that my personal journey may prevent others from having to endure the same diagnosis and outcome. Even through all that has happened, I am living my best life in the worst circumstances as I continue to work full time, parent an active 5-year-old, raise chickens and foster cats, and most importantly educate others about colorectal cancer.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so speak to your doctor and be your own advocate if you have concerns. For my fellow cancer warriors, continue to fight on!

Statistics taken from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance 2018 Young Onset Survey.

Nancy Cheadle-Winberg is a member of the Pocatello community, an ISU alumna, an ISU faculty member, a mom, a widow, a foster cat and chicken mom, and a rectal cancer warrior. She is willing to speak to anyone with questions or who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.