**Early Detection Saves Lives: Brooke Wessman’s Colon Cancer Journey**
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Brooke Wessman, a 45-year-old mother from LaSalle, Ontario, is using her personal experience with colon cancer to stress the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Diagnosed after her first routine colonoscopy, Wessman is a firm believer that her timely screening effectively “saved my life.”
For many, the words “colon cancer” evoke thoughts of older adults, but Wessman’s case highlights a concerning trend. In recent years, colorectal cancer incidences have begun to rise among younger adults. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle that included a balanced diet and regular exercise, Wessman found herself grappling with a diagnosis of cancer that she wasn’t expecting.
Prior to her diagnosis, Wessman had been diligent about her health, previously working at Henry Ford Health and adhering to routine health checks. At age 45, she opted to take an at-home Cologuard test, which screens for signs of colon cancer through stool samples. The result indicated the presence of altered DNA, a potential marker for cancer, prompting her to schedule a colonoscopy at her former workplace on September 3, 2025.
“The moment I glanced at the after-visit summary before the doctor entered, I sensed that the news was not reassuring,” Wessman recounted. “When the doctor confirmed that I likely had colon cancer, I was in shock.” Her active and health-conscious lifestyle did nothing to prepare her for such a grim diagnosis.
Dr Craig Reickert, the division head of colon and rectal surgery at Henry Ford Health, noted that cases of colorectal cancer are increasingly being diagnosed in younger individuals who exhibit no symptoms. He remarked, “Awareness and screenings are now more vital than ever,” given that colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among those under 50.
The rise in colorectal cancer cases is often attributed to a combination of factors, including obesity and diets high in processed foods, alongside improved detection methods. Following her diagnosis, Wessman underwent a robotic surgery designed to remove her tumour; this procedure involved a single incision, minimising recovery time. “I was encouraged to walk soon after the surgery, and I couldn’t believe how quickly I felt better,” she expressed, reflecting on her recovery.
Following her surgery, Wessman proceeded with chemotherapy, affectionately naming her port access after a Detroit Lions player, Sam LaPorta. Despite the difficult journey, she remains resolute in her message about the efficacy of preventative health measures.
Wessman frequently shares her story to encourage others to take their health seriously. “When I received my colon cancer screening reminder through Henry Ford’s patient portal, I took action immediately at age 45,” she noted, underlining how crucial her decision proved to be. “I hope to inspire others to get screened; I am living proof that it can make a significant, life-altering difference.”
Dr Reickert adds to her message by emphasising the silent nature of this type of cancer. “Many are unaware that colorectal cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms,” he cautioned. “Colonoscopies can detect cancer at an early stage and can even prevent it by removing precancerous polyps.”
Brooke Wessman’s experience serves as a critical reminder that health screenings are not just routine; they are potentially life-saving. By sharing her journey, she hopes to motivate individuals, particularly younger adults, to prioritise their health through regular screenings, thereby contributing to the ongoing fight against colorectal cancer.