I thought I was just training too hard and it was rupturedhemorrhoidsor something, Johnson told Verywell.
Johnson underwent acolonoscopytwo weeks after running the marathon.
Right after the procedure, the doctor told John that he may have a cancerous mass in his rectum.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; John B. Johnson
A biopsy confirmed this suspicion, and at age 35, Johnson was diagnosed with stage 2colorectal cancer.
I was really mad that this was happening to me.
For about two weeks, I thought, I eat healthy.
Ive done everything I could to avoid this in a way, and then Istillgot cancer, Johnson said.
Johnson is one of thousands of U.S. adults who get diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer each year.
Recent data suggests that 12% of all colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people under age 50.
But these factors dont explain every case.
Genetics, family history, andinflammatory bowel disease(IBD) may also play a role.
He took this as a sign that he had more to live for.
From that point forward, I really just pressed into my faith.
I realized that I wasnt training for a marathon, really, I was training for this treatment.
I was training to get through this, he said.
Each cancer is a little bit different.
While colon and rectal cancers are grouped together as colorectal cancers, the treatment options vary slightly.
People withrectal canceroften start with chemotherapy and radiation, while people withcolon cancertypically get surgery first.
Johnsons rectal cancer responded to the radiation and chemotherapy, so he didnt need surgery to remove his rectum.
Screenings Save Lives
Current guidelines recommend people startscreening for colorectal cancerat age 45.
If it is cancer, you want to catch it as early as possible.
Your curability rate is much higher the earlier you catch it, Rosen said.
Do not be afraid to go get checked because it could stash your life, Johnson said.
Getting a colonoscopy did save Johnsons life.
Once Johnson finished his treatments, he began training for the 2025 Boston Marathonand Rosen decided to join him.
Im almost closing the loop on my journeyto be back running," Johnson said.
And, hopefully, be a beacon of hope in that way."
What This Means For You
More young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer.
you’ve got the option to learn more about screening options atgetscreened.org.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer rates rise in younger adults.
American Cancer Society.Colorectal cancer risk factors.
Michigan Medicine.How colon and rectal cancer differ.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance.When should I start getting screened for colorectal cancer?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Colorectal cancer risk factors.
