It was barely sunrise Jan. 8 when I arrived for a medical appointment, unfurled The Post and zeroed in on the headline, “‘It could happen to anybody,’” about the rising rate of colon cancer in young people. I exclaimed to the receptionist, “Good thing I’m here for my colonoscopy: Look at today’s front-page article in The Post!” Barely half my age, she replied, “Oh! Maybe I should get checked!” On referencing the article when I was in the surgical suite a few minutes later, an assistant confirmed that women 55 and younger represented a growing proportion of their patients.
I was struck by several themes in the article. First, the “diagnostic hurdle” that occurs, for example, when women whose self-reported symptoms were dismissed by their clinicians as not particularly serious. The American Cancer Society’s William Dahut was quoted as saying, “Young people with [gastrointestinal pain] need to consider colon cancer.” However, a 44-year-old nurse who discussed related symptoms with her doctor was advised to take probiotics to address irritable bowel syndrome. She had Stage 3 colon cancer.
Unmentioned were colorectal cancer screening guidelines, in which the American Cancer Society says screening should begin at age 45 for those at average risk; the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force assigned in 2021 a B rating to such screening at ages 45 to 49 years, versus an A for people aged 50 to 75. These prevention guidelines — directed to “average risk” people — might represent a moving target based on evidence at the time of development.
Although communication with my gastroenterologist, whom I had first seen a decade ago, was fortunately excellent, one theme that resonated was months-long scheduling delays. Liz Stapleton, whose location was not disclosed, was told she’d have to wait nine months for a colonoscopy. Similarly, when I called in April for a pre-colonoscopy consultation, I was given a date in December.
My procedure lasted barely 25 minutes, resulted in a clean bill of colon health — and a grateful farewell: “See you in a decade!” But, as the article emphasized, women need to self-advocate for respectful and attentive communication partnerships with clinicians to better guide timely, appropriate medical care. Optimal patient-centered care is a two-way street; dismissive shortcuts compromise health.
Lee Rucker Keiser, Bethesda
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
