Michael Ettinger

I was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 18 years old in May 2021. I had been experiencing symptoms of abdominal pain and extreme fatigue for months leading up to my diagnosis. I immediately underwent surgery and spent three months undergoing chemotherapy. I became one of the youngest patients with colon cancer where I was being treated. Because of my age, my parents and I had to advocate for months for additional testing leading up to my diagnosis. It was exhausting – very few believed that an overall healthy 18 year old could have colon cancer. I now advocate for increased screenings and detection for early onset colorectal cancer patients and spread awareness of the rise of colorectal cancer in young adults. I am proud to be celebrating my 5-year cancer free anniversary this upcoming October!