The moment I received the news that my 65-year-old father was hospitalized, I felt surprisingly calm. He had faced physical challenges throughout my childhood, but despite those gastrointestinal issues, he was fundamentally robust. His ability to craft his perception of reality was remarkable; his mantra of “what I don’t know won’t hurt me” seemed to have served him well. I believed whatever ailment he faced couldn’t be too severe.
Yet, seven weeks later, he was gone, taken by colon cancer.
It’s a haunting thought that I will never know for certain how long he endured that disease or what signs he may have ignored. When he initially called from the hospital in late May, I offered to fly down from Vermont to Florida. He swiftly declined, reassured by the support he had there and my own responsibilities at home. A couple of weeks later, after surgery to remove a mass, he returned home. Just three days after that, he was back in the hospital.
I kept a close communication loop with family and medical professionals, anticipating a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Instead, I learned the harsh truth: it was too late. The mass was cancerous, and he was too weak for chemotherapy. Even if he had been strong enough, the prognosis with treatment was bleak—at best, six months. Soon after that, he started losing his cognitive abilities. Hallucinations, confusion, and a loss of speech indicated the gravity of the situation. By the time I reached him, there were no questions left to ask—only comfort to provide. He passed away in hospice six days later.
This marked the beginning of my journey living under the shadow of an increased risk for colon cancer.
The statistics are revealing (and disheartening)
The recent loss of actor James Van Der Beek, who succumbed to colorectal cancer at 47, highlights a growing epidemic that experts have been warning us about: the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer continues to escalate. The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults younger than 50 have grown by about 2% each year since the mid-1990s. It is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for men under 50, and the second leading cause in women of the same age.
Here’s the crucial part that demands attention: colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance emphasizes that with early detection through screening, colorectal cancer boasts a 90% five-year survival rate. Additionally, the CDC indicates that boosting screening rates to 80% could cut colorectal cancer deaths by 33% by 2030. Screening allows for the discovery and removal of polyps before they progress to cancer.
Sarah Beran’s story exemplifies this reality. At just 34 years old, balancing the demands of a three-year-old and a five-year-old, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “As a busy mom, I attributed my fatigue to my lifestyle,” she reveals. However, when she noticed blood in her stool, her initial doctor dismissed her concerns. “Considering my age and previous health, I had always thought of myself as fit.”
It wasn’t until she showed her gastroenterologist a photo evidencing her symptoms that she received the colonoscopy revealing over 100 polyps and a mass in her rectum. She endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and radiation after the cancer spread to her lungs. Thankfully, she has been cancer-free for nearly three years and has co-founded Worldclass clothing, a brand aiming to raise awareness about colonoscopy screenings.
“30% of individuals in their 40s already have polyps, and this trend is increasing among younger adults,” Beran explains. (Yale Medicine estimates that 15% to 40% of adults may have polyps.) During a colonoscopy, doctors can easily remove polyps, treating them with minimal discomfort. “It’s like a gentle exfoliation. You hardly feel a thing.” A biopsy is then conducted to assess whether the polyps are benign or precancerous, guiding any necessary follow-up treatments.
The system isn’t structured for your benefit
Weeks following my father’s death, I approached my primary care physician to request a colonoscopy referral. At 43, I was just two years shy of the standard screening age. Here’s the maddening part: most insurance plans do not see colonoscopies as requisite until age 45. But we know that cases of colon cancer are being diagnosed earlier than ever. In a situation where the disease is so preventable, the system often prioritizes profits over actual patient care.
Beran faced similar hurdles when she sought medical assistance at 34. It was only after showing her doctor visual evidence of her symptoms that she received the colonoscopy that ultimately saved her life.
“Self-advocacy is critical,” Beran emphasizes. “I used to easily brush aside my concerns, assuming I’d be fine. Now, however, I feel like I’m overly cautious, wanting to get everything checked out.”
Steps to secure earlier screening
How do you navigate getting a colonoscopy sooner? Sometimes, you may need to exaggerate your circumstances. No one verifies claims about blood in your stool or checks your family’s medical history related to colorectal cancer. As noted by the National Cancer Institute, having a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer increases your risk significantly. Yet, insurance providers may not always acknowledge this reality.
If you notice concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate. Beran advises, “Listen to your body and be aware of any stomach issues. If you notice a sudden change in your stool — especially if it’s accompanied by urgency and a thinner consistency — it could signal an obstruction.”
Even fatigue can be a red flag. “I had dismissed my exhaustion as normal tiredness from parenting, but it stemmed from the cancer lurking within me,” she confides.
Colonoscopy preparation (not fun, but necessary)
Let me get real: the colonoscopy itself is manageable. The preparation? It’s often daunting. I do, however, have some helpful tips. (Keep in mind that your doctor will provide their specific instructions.)
First, avoid the clear cherry Gatorade. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. Learn from my experience and choose any other flavor. (Just stay away from red or purple brands, as those can interfere with test outcomes.) Beran suggests using a straw, claiming it makes consumption quicker. She also recommends gummy bears (again, avoid red or purple) since they qualify as liquids and can satisfy your craving.
The day before your colonoscopy, you’ll begin fasting in the morning. You’re limited to clear liquids until evening (think black coffee, tea, apple juice, and popsicles, as well as, in some cases, broth). Then begins the fun part. I had to mix up an entire Pizza Hut pitcher of Miralax and Gatorade and drink it in doses over some hours. I had to pause multiple times due to nausea, then resume in order to finish the requirements two hours prior to my procedure.
To make this easier, schedule your appointment for late morning, not right after dawn. I initially chose an 8:30 a.m. slot, thinking I was clever to get it done early. Instead, I ended up waking at 4:30 a.m. to gulp down another half pitcher of syrupy cherry Gatorade. Avoid my mistake and allow yourself some reasonable waking hours.
Also, consider scheduling during fall or winter to minimize the loss of precious days outdoors. Choose a day with dreary weather so you can relish the coziness indoors.
“Many dread the prep drink, but I honestly didn’t find it as bad as feared,” Beran says. “And the bathroom experience isn’t dramatic; you’ll just feel a gentle flush. We call it a refreshing cleanse and a nap.” A friend who supported me during my prep even noted, “Truthfully, I found the bathroom visits relieving. I felt liberated afterward!” I can completely relate.
I was deeply sedated for the 15-minute procedure and awoke pain-free. Gracefully, my colonoscopy declared victory: no polyps were detected. I’ll be back in five years, hoping that by then, there’s a better alternative to consuming buckets of Gatorade.
Changing perceptions
Following her ordeal, Beran co-founded Worldclass with Brooks Bell, another colon cancer survivor who brought extensive research and advocacy while Beran contributed her fashion expertise. Together, they’ve developed a brand that feels more Vogue than doctor’s office pamphlets.
“We noticed an abundance of cancer-themed T-shirt brands but recognized our approach was different. This isn’t just another T-shirt line,” she explains. “It’s chic streetwear that people genuinely want to wear, inviting curiosity.”
Opening the dialogue is precisely their aim. Profits are directed toward supporting underinsured individuals in getting screened, but the authentic mission behind their brand differentiates it from a typical fundraising effort. They’re transforming colonoscopy conversations into stylish topics.
Unlike breast cancer awareness, colon cancer still bears an unnecessary stigma. “People shy away from discussing issues involving the rectum and colonoscopies,” Beran acknowledges. “However, these topics should be normalized.”
She proposes we start incorporating these discussions into our wellness routines. “Schedule your mammogram, follow up with a colonoscopy, and then treat yourself to a facial the next day as part of a self-care regimen.”
Essential takeaways
Doctors continue to investigate reasons behind the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer, whether it’s environmental factors, dietary choices, or other unknown causes. One fact is unequivocal: screening saves lives. The American Cancer Society advises individuals at average risk to begin screening at 45, but if a family history or symptoms arise, earlier screening is essential.
Honor your body. Trust your instincts. And don’t shy away from challenging a healthcare system that sometimes appears more invested in adherence to protocol than in actual prevention.
My father’s untimely departure didn’t need to transpire. James Van Der Beek’s life didn’t have to end prematurely. Sarah Beran’s determination to insist on her colonoscopy, even when met with skepticism, saved her life. This reality emphasizes one irrefutable truth: a simple procedure can alter everything.
The preparation may be taxing, but what’s far more unbearable? Burdening your loved ones with an early absence. Leaving children without a parent. Enduring chemotherapy while raising young kids.
Seek out that colonoscopy. Stand up for your health. And once you’ve tackled it, maybe indulge in that facial you’ve been putting off—you’ve certainly earned it.
