03/24/2026
Colleen McGarrity was just 41 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer — years before typical screening age — after experiencing persistent bowel issues and bleeding. At Allegheny Health Network, Dr. James McCormick is seeing patients in their 20s, 30s, and 40s regularly with this diagnosis.
It can be awkward to discuss bowel symptoms, which is why AHN offers online resources to make that conversation easier. Hear Colleen's full story and learn why early action is vital in the story below!
A cancer once rare in young people has become the number one cause of cancer-related deaths for Americans under age 50.