The power of early cancer screenings: One woman’s journey with colorectal cancer at 41

In October 2022, life was moving along as usual for Desiree Early. At 41, she was active, successful in her career, enjoyed traveling and riding on the motorcycle with her husband and had no significant health concerns. However, one day, she noticed something alarming: blood in the toilet after she used the restroom, a lot of blood.

Desiree had a few instances in the past where there was blood in the bowl, but she hadn’t been concerned and chalked it up to something minor, like hemorrhoids or pushing too hard. Annual checkups and bloodwork always came back normal. This time, however, felt different.

After a conversation with her primary care provider, she underwent a colonoscopy and received the news: she had colorectal cancer.

With passion, positivity and a strong support network, Desiree navigated her treatment and is now living cancer-free.

This is her story.

“If I had seen a doctor sooner”

Desiree and her husband, Brian, are from the Midwest and have been happily married for over 20 years. In 2013, they embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Texas to start their next chapter.

Desiree comes from a large family. She’s the fifth child out of six and has over 20 nieces and nephews. Cancer wasn’t prevalent in her family health history, with the exception of one family member who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 50.

Desiree had no apparent risk factors for colorectal cancer. She worked out regularly. Ate healthy. Wasn’t overweight. Yet as Desiree learned, her form of cancer just happened, as testing didn't confirm it was genetic.

“I wondered if I had seen a doctor sooner about my symptoms, this all could have been avoided," Desiree said.

The diagnosis no one expects

After the incident in October, Desiree talked about what happened with her primary care provider, Laura Snead, PA-C, physician assistant on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Primary Care at the Star. She was referred to Ramakrishna Behara, DO, gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Digestive Diseases, for a colonoscopy.

“Current screening guidelines recommend that all average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45,” Dr. Behara said. “For those with higher risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic disorders or inflammatory bowel disease, earlier and more frequent screenings may be necessary. That’s why it is important to discuss your family history with your doctor so they can better assess your risk.”

As Desiree prepared for the procedure in January 2023, she remained optimistic, assuming it was just a polyp or minor issue.

When she woke up from the colonoscopy, Dr. Behara had difficult news to share. He found a 3 to 4 cm rectal mass. A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: Desiree was living with colorectal cancer. Further testing revealed it was stage 3A, meaning her cancer had spread from the colon's innermost layer to the next layer, as well as into nearby lymph nodes.

"I remember joking with my husband about the pictures of my colon, until the doctor told us the news,” Desiree said. “Then we both burst into tears. I was in shock.”

“Cancer wasn’t going to get me”

Within a few weeks, a treatment plan for Desiree was in place. Dr. Behara referred Desiree to Sarah Boostrom, MD, FACS, colon and rectal surgeon on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Colon and Rectal Surgical Consultants of North Texas, who would perform a lower anterior resection, which is a procedure to take out a portion of her rectum and colon, removing the tumor.

 “Cancer wasn’t going to get me, and I was ready to fight,” Desiree said.

Desiree's surgery took place on February 13. Dr. Boostrom reported the whole tumor had been removed, without the need for a permanent ostomy bag.

“Advancements in technology for the treatment of cancer are enabling surgeons to improve surgical outcomes,” Dr. Boostrom said. “Robotic surgery makes it possible to perform complex procedures with better precision and clearer views, allowing for improvement in obtaining negative margins. It also helps people recover faster because of smaller incisions and lowers the chance of infection.”

Obtaining negative margins means that no cancer cells are found at the edges of the tissue that was removed, which lowers the chance of cancer returning.

A multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment

Colorectal cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving surgeons, oncologists, gastroenterologists and other specialists. For Desiree, this meant that multiple doctors worked together to decide on the best approach for her care.

“All treating physicians attend and present their patients’ cases at a multidisciplinary tumor board,” Dr. Boostrom said. “This collaboration between teams allows for the contribution of recommended treatments from all specialties, which ultimately helps to improve patient outcomes.”

Desiree’s medical team recommended she undergo chemotherapy as a precautionary measure to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, and she was referred to an oncologist.

“I am so thankful for the fast referrals within the Baylor Scott & White system and couldn’t be happier with my entire care team,” Desiree said. “From my doctors to the nurses in the infusion room during chemo, they answered all my questions and made sure I was prepared for every step of this journey.”

Beginning in April 2023, Desiree endured 12 rounds of intensive chemotherapy for six months. Fatigue, hair thinning and nights sleeping with a chemo ball became her new reality.

"I remember sitting in the infusion room thinking that colorectal cancer was for older people—people in their 60s and 70s. Yet here I was with colorectal cancer and one of the youngest people there,” she said.

Desiree relied heavily on her faith, positive vibes, the support of her family, friends and co-workers to help her through the good days and the bad ones. September 19, 2023 marked Desiree’s last chemotherapy treatment.

“I rang that bell loud and proud,” she said.

Why early screening for colorectal cancer matters for younger adults

Colorectal cancer has traditionally been seen as a condition affecting older adults, but according to the American Cancer Society, the number of younger people under the age of 50 being diagnosed is rising. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about one in 24 for men and one in 26 for women.

“The most common symptom with early-onset colon cancer is no symptoms, which is why age-appropriate guidelines are so important,” Dr. Behara said. “Several factors may be contributing to the increase of colorectal cancer in younger adults, such as diet, lack of physical activity, obesity and environmental exposures.”

Desiree’s journey has turned her into a passionate advocate for colorectal cancer screenings. Since her diagnosis, she has encouraged all her siblings to get screened. She participated in a cancer survivor walk in Fort Worth. Now, she’s working on convincing her husband to schedule his colonoscopy since he’s reached the recommended screening age of 45.

“I think in spite of the diagnosis, Desiree has remained positive and steadfast in her approach,” Dr. Behara said. “She trusted our team of physicians to take care of her. She’s been an advocate for not shying away from symptoms and a big supporter of getting checked.”

Living life with a new perspective

Now officially cancer-free at age 44, Desiree is back to living life with a renewed perspective. She sees Dr. Behara and Dr. Boostrom regularly, and her most recent colonoscopy showed no signs of the condition.

For Desiree, the most important message is to listen to your body and get checked if something doesn’t seem right.

“Don’t wait!” she said.

Desiree hopes to share her story and inspire others living with cancer who are just starting on their journey.

“Live life, embrace what happens next, ask questions and find your circle of people. Bad days will happen but power through. I did and I’m still here!” she said.  

Your health is worth it

Desiree’s story is a testament to the power of cancer screenings and how effective treatment can be if colorectal cancer is caught in its early stages.

“Early detection of colorectal cancer significantly improves survival rates,” Dr. Behara said. “When diagnosed at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is approximately 90%. Timely intervention allows for less invasive treatments and better outcomes overall.” 

Paying attention to your body and speaking with your primary care provider for further testing is a way to detect any abnormalities and offer peace of mind. Colonoscopies are a key tool for people to stay ahead of any potential colorectal diagnosis.

“Colonoscopy is the most effective screening method because it’s not only used for screening, but it can also help treat issues at the same time," Dr. Boostrom said. "All cancers come from polyps, therefore, removing polyps can prevent the growth of a cancer."

If you’re experiencing symptoms like blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or feeling fatigued more than normal, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor and get screened. Your health, and your life, are worth it.

Are you age 45 or older? It’s time to schedule your colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor or find a gastroenterologist near you today.