Scott Young

Story: "On Christmas Day 2019, I had a heart attack. Part of the treatment was taking a blood thinner. That caused or made the blood in my stool more prevalent. I received the cancer diagnosis in February 2020. I had a colon resection in April 2020. There were complications with the surgery because I had sepsis, and I was not expected to make it through the night. I was in therapy for two months before I could start treatments. I was told it was stage IV and had spread to my liver. The doctors said I have two and a half years. With support from family, friends, and my care team, I am going to smash that prognosis."

Advice: "Four years prior to my diagnosis (when I was 48), my PCP ordered a colonoscopy. I blew it off. If you are pushing 40, talk to your PCP to assess your risks, especially if there is history in your family. Most insurance companies allow for screening at 45. Find out and get it done. If you are 50, you're just being stubborn. So when I say a colonoscopy sucks less than cancer; I can speak from experience.

"You're not alone. Communication is the key -- talk to your care team. If you have a question, ask, and have them explain it until you understand. Talk to your family, let them know what's going on. It is perfectly fine to have a bad day, just know you're not alone."