The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Never Too Young advisory board recently welcomed 12 new members. These volunteer leaders will continue to spread the life-saving message that you’re never too young for colorectal cancer.
We asked our new members to say something about themselves:
Andrea Bauer: “Young onset survivor passionate about getting people screened, survivorship, and learning more about long-term side effects.”
Riley Castro: “Survivor, turning pain into purpose. Fighting for education and awareness for those with young onset colorectal cancer.”
Joy Freedman: “Part dog-behavior expert, mom, wife and surthriver. Passionate about enlightening, educating, and ending CRC within our lifetime.”
Dana Georges: “By sharing my husband’s story, I’m proof that one voice can make a difference through advocacy!”
Wes Hensel: “Survivor, MLH1 Lynchie, ostomate, systems engineer, husband, father of two sweet little girls, health/fitness advocate, and coach. Want to make a difference in getting screenings for CRC at younger ages.”
Loren McCabe: “Long-time advocate, caregiver to the end. Living life and swinging it out.”
Angelina McIntire: “Stage IV thriver, wife, dog mother, dancer, and travel enthusiast determined to make good out of this journey while healing and helping others.”
Peg Myrick: “Stage IV thriver and educator determined to bring awareness to early onset colorectal cancer. Trust your gut!”
Susan Pfau: “Chase’s mom.”
Jacen Roberts: “Stage IV survivor, now ally and advocate. Looking to make a real difference in the cancer community.”
Diana Sloan: “Stage IV patient, wife, and mom focused on raising awareness for early onset colorectal cancer with a passion for making the most out of every moment life offers.”
Tabitha Trent: “Survivor turned colorectal cancer ally and advocate. Ezra 10:4. Cancer requires community.”
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance convened the Never Too Young advisory board to address the concerns and needs of young colorectal cancer patients and survivors.
Since 1994, diagnosis of colorectal cancer in young adults, ages 20-49, have increased by 51 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute. Colorectal cancer is highly treatable if detected early, but because the standard screening age is 50, many young people with the disease are misdiagnosed initially and ultimately receive a cancer diagnosis at later stages, according to our survey.
“Through local and national efforts we plan to raise awareness about young onset colorectal cancer and remove the stigma of colorectal cancer,” said Kim Newcomer, Never Too Young program manager at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “One of the most powerful tools we have is information. We must take this message directly to young people and the medical community.”
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has committed $3 million over the next three years to raise awareness and fund research to put an end to colorectal cancer in young adults.