I couldn't find one single incidence of colon cancer in a young woman. I couldn't find anyone out there who resembled me. I signed up for a buddy, never expecting to get one, and I met not one, but two other women in their young 30s with colon cancer. Rejoicing would be too strong of a word for what I did, but I did feel a great sense of relief in knowing that I was not alone. Through the CCA I also found an outlet for my frustration at having this disease at all.
Communication is the only answer.
Getting doctors and patients and everyone to talk about this disease is the only way to let people know that it is curable, if only it is found early enough. I had symptoms of colon cancer for at least 6 years before my diagnosis. This included very prominent blood in my stools. I went to doctor after doctor and no one ever even looked for colon cancer. I was too young.