My name is Jessica (she/her), and I was diagnosed with rectal cancer at 29 years old. In February 2023, I had genetic testing done that showed a gene mutation called Lynch Syndrome (PMS2). The genetic counselor recommended that I get my first colonoscopy at 30. But in the summer of 2023, I began experiencing symptoms. I saw my primary doctor and she said she thought it was IBS, but that I could go see a gastro. I vividly remember ending the video call and saying “at least she doesn’t think it’s cancer” out loud. By the time I saw the gastro in November, my symptoms had worsened significantly, and I knew that something wasn’t right. At the appointment, she also said she thought it could be IBS – even though I was having symptoms like constipation and blood in my stool, and knowing I had Lynch. I pushed back and requested that a baseline colonoscopy be done to make sure. The gastro did my colonoscopy in January 2024 and found a 6cm mass in my rectum. Her response when showing me the images was “at least we did this early!