Woman, 37, Beats Colon Cancer and Fights for Early Screening

When Allison Solomon started experiencing unusual stomach symptoms at 37, she could have brushed them off. Instead, she insisted on getting checked, and doctors found colon cancer.

Solomon had no family history of the disease and was too young for routine screening under standard guidelines. But her persistent symptoms, including stomach cramps, loss of appetite, and blood in her stool, told her something was wrong.

"They said 'you have a malignancy,' which was shocking," Solomon recalled. A CT scan brought good news: the cancer hadn't spread.

Within a month, Solomon had surgery, followed by chemotherapy under the care of Dr. Benjamin Weinberg at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Today, she's in remission and thriving.

Her story highlights a troubling trend. Colorectal cancer rates in people under 65 are rising rapidly, with almost half of new cases now occurring in that age group.

Dr. Weinberg and his team are investigating why people born in the 1980s and early 1990s seem most affected. They're exploring potential causes like early antibiotic exposure, microplastics, and changes in gut bacteria.

The timing matters because a recent national survey revealed that over 75% of Americans don't know when to get screened for colon cancer. Four in 10 people incorrectly believe screening after 45 requires a family history of the disease.

The standard screening age is now 45 for everyone at normal risk. Colonoscopies can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become dangerous, and sometimes catch early stage cancer that doesn't even require surgery.

Why This Inspires

Solomon isn't just focused on her own health anymore. She's joined the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to help spread awareness and connect people with resources.

She's supporting the 2026 D.C. ScopeItOut 5K on the National Mall, turning her personal challenge into a mission to help others catch cancer early. Her message is simple but powerful: listen to your body, advocate for yourself, and don't assume you're too young.

Thanks to her persistence and quick action, Solomon is living proof that early detection saves lives.