March is more than just the start of spring. It is a time of renewal, awareness, and taking charge of our health. It is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, this is personal. I carry the PMS2 gene mutation, which means my risk for certain cancers, including colorectal cancer, is significantly higher than the average person. Knowing this has changed the way I approach my health, my advocacy, and my mission with The Advocate’s Table.
I want to share not just facts, but a story. A story of prevention, resilience, and community, because for many people, the difference between life and death comes down to what we know and when we know it.
A Family’s Silent Battle
Imagine this. A mother, full of life, always the rock of her family, starts feeling a little off. Maybe it is just stress. Maybe it is her diet. Maybe it is nothing. But months go by, and the symptoms do not go away. By the time she goes in for a check-up, it is stage 3 colorectal cancer. She fights, because that is what we do, but she keeps thinking, What if I had gone sooner?
This is not just a story. It is reality for far too many families. Colorectal cancer is often called a silent killer because it does not always come with loud warning signs. By the time symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal pain appear, the cancer may already be in an advanced stage.
For people with Lynch syndrome, which includes PMS2 mutations like mine, the risk is even higher. We do not have the luxury of waiting and seeing. We have to be proactive, relentless, and informed.
What Can We Do to Stay Ahead?
If there is one thing I have learned from my own journey with genetic mutations and breast cancer, it is this. Knowledge is power, but action is what saves lives.
Here is what you can do.
🔹 Get Screened Early and Regularly – If you have Lynch syndrome or a family history of colorectal cancer, do not wait until 45, which is the standard screening age for average-risk individuals. Talk to your doctor about starting screenings in your 20s or 30s. Early detection saves lives, with 90 percent of early-stage colorectal cancer cases surviving beyond five years. (Source: NY Post)
🔹 Know Your Genetic Risk – If cancer runs in your family, consider genetic testing. A simple test can give you the information you need to make life-saving decisions.
🔹 Prioritize Colon Health – Diet matters. Eating a fiber-rich diet with fruits, veggies, and whole grains while cutting down on ultra-processed foods can lower your risk of colon cancer. (Source: The Sun)
🔹 Advocate for Yourself and Others – Too often, Black communities face disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The mortality rate for Black Americans with colorectal cancer is significantly higher than for white Americans. Advocacy is not just about policy. It is about ensuring everyone has access to early detection and quality care.
The Cost of Healthcare and Government Spending
Right now, government spending changes are making it harder for some patients to afford screenings and treatments. Policies impacting Medicaid, insurance coverage, and cancer research funding directly affect those fighting colon cancer today. Many organizations are pushing back, but the reality is this. We need to keep advocating for policies that prioritize prevention and access to care.
If you or a loved one are currently battling colorectal cancer and need support, there are resources available.
- American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) | 1-800-227-2345
- Colon Cancer Coalition (www.coloncancercoalition.org) | info@coloncancercoalition.org
- Fight Colorectal Cancer (www.fightcolorectalcancer.org) | info@fightcolorectalcancer.org
- Ohio Department of Health (www.odh.ohio.gov) | (614) 466-3543
The Advocate’s Table: Where Awareness Meets Action
At The Advocate’s Table, we believe everyone deserves access to early detection and life-saving resources. Whether you need guidance, support, or want to get involved in advocacy, we are here. If you are interested in our services, affiliations, or sponsorship opportunities, reach out through our Contact page.
💬 Let’s Talk: What has been your experience with colon health awareness? Have you or a loved one faced barriers to screening or care? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s educate, advocate, and change lives together.
Final Thought: Do Not Wait Until It Is Too Late
Too many lives have been lost because of lack of information, delayed screenings, or financial barriers to healthcare. This Colon Cancer Awareness Month, let’s change that narrative for ourselves, our families, and the generations to come.
Because knowledge is power, but action is what saves lives.
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