Pregnancy delays colon cancer diagnosis: a military spouse's fight and five-year remission

A gastroenterology nurse and military spouse began experiencing rectal bleeding as a young adult; doctors attributed it to hemorrhoids and pregnancy, delaying diagnosis until after delivery, when a colonoscopy revealed a golf-ball-sized rectal tumor. She was diagnosed with stage 3C cancer with lymph node involvement, underwent surgery and six months of chemotherapy, and is now five years cancer-free at 38. The experience highlighted the unique challenges of a military family, the importance of self-advocacy and screening, and the ongoing impact of treatment, including early menopause and stigma around colon cancer.