Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Senator Edward J. Markey and Senator Amy Klobuchar, alongside Congressman André Carson, introduced the Asal Sayas National Strategy on Young Adult Cancers Act — a critical step toward addressing the alarming rise of cancer diagnoses among adults under 50.

Named in honor of Asal Sayas, a dedicated advocate who lost her life to colore**al cancer at age 42, this legislation would establish a comprehensive national strategy to improve awareness, research, screening access, diagnosis, treatment, and support for young adults facing cancer.

As young-onset cancers continue to rise, bold action is needed. The Alliance is proud to endorse this legislation and support efforts that will help save lives, improve outcomes, and honor those lost too soon.

"The rise in colore**al cancer deaths and overall cancer incidence among young adults is one of the most urgent public health challenges of our time," said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Alliance.

Learn more about the legislation and join us in advocating for a future where fewer young adults face a cancer diagnosis 👉 https://bit.ly/PR-AsalSayas

"At age 76, I declined a colonoscopy — a decision I now deeply regret. I never imagined colore**al cancer would affect me, and I certainly never expected to spend the next several years focused on surviving it.

Two years later, I began experiencing discomfort and occasional sharp pain in my lower abdomen. One afternoon, the pain suddenly became much worse, and I was admitted to the hospital for testing. After an MRI, CT scan, colonoscopy, and biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage IIIC colore**al cancer. The tumor was so large that doctors could not fully examine the rest of my colon during the procedure.

My medical team explained that the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes, and I began treatment immediately. I underwent chemotherapy with FOLFOX, followed by radiation and additional chemotherapy. The treatments were extremely difficult, but after several months, scans showed the tumor had shrunk enough for surgery.

Throughout treatment, the support of my wife, our family, and close friends carried me forward. Their encouragement, prayers, and presence helped me through some of the hardest moments of my path with colore**al cancer. During this time, I also began writing about my experience, which I later turned into a memoir.

Today, surviving colore**al cancer has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I want others to understand the very real impact this disease can have on patients and families, and the importance of screening.

I encourage everyone to talk with their doctor about getting screened for colore**al cancer beginning at age 45, even if they do not have symptoms or a family history. Screening can save lives." - Mikel M.

This , learn more about your screening options and take a short quiz at getscreened.org.