The UC Santa Cruz student says she had three colonoscopies in 2025 after doctors found and removed a 38-millimetre precancerous polyp.
She argues embarrassment and fear delay diagnosis in younger adults, even as US guidance has lowered routine screening to 45 and earlier for people with symptoms or family history.
Whilden cites National Cancer Institute data showing colorectal cancer was the leading cancer killer among people aged 20 to 40 in 2023, echoing wider advocacy to normalise discussion and early detection.
Why is a preventable cancer now the leading killer of young adults?
Beyond colonoscopies, what new, easier tests can detect colon cancer?