Why am I getting a colonoscopy at 29?

The rate of colorectal cancer among adults under age 50 in the U.S. has been climbing steadily and mysteriously since the 1990s. Three years ago, STAT’s Nicholas St. Fleur reported on this alarming trend and the “hot spots” that have cropped up across the country for early-onset colorectal cancer. Nick has a family history of the disease, and invited STAT to document in a video his first colonoscopy at age 30 — 15 years before the procedure is typically recommended. Nick’s colonoscopy and reporting was partially inspired by the shocking death of actor and writer Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at age 43. Now, in a First Opinion essay, artist, advocate, and caregiver Simone Ledward-Boseman emphasizes that there’s still a need for better understanding of why colon cancer is affecting more younger adults. “I am not writing here to talk about my husband,” she begins. Instead, Ledward-Boseman calls on Congress to prioritize funding around colorectal cancer. Read more on how she believes the country can invest in better preventing this deadly disease. Chadwick Boseman’s tragedy is America’s tragedy: In colorectal cancer hot spots, young men are dying at higher rates Nicholas St. Fleur By Nicholas St. Fleur June 22, 2021 https://www.statnews.com/2021/06/22/colorectal-cancer-hot-spots-young-men-dying-higher-rates/?utm_campaign=morning_rounds&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8QzPvfWuZ2xPVPcqvb5Ad-SuYdo-aqRfx-vVMJNQxgRqWb7bJuw7sp0ZFX_29gPezIqovQQ16Dt_GQsSYG87vAnnJKJQ&_hsmi=305080140&utm_content=305080140&utm_source=hs_email