I am in the unforeseen combat against colon cancer at 44 - a battle that likely began when I was only 38. It's a reality that I share with countless others, especially those within my colon cancer support groups who, shockingly, are in their twenties and already reckoning with metastasis to other areas of their bodies. These heavy hearts tell the same story: our healthcare system is reacting too late.

Today, the recommended age for colonoscopy screening, a procedure that allows doctors to detect and prevent colon cancer, is 45 years old. This is a dangerous misstep when one considers that colon cancer rates have been skyrocketing particularly amongst the age group of 18-50. According to the American Cancer Society, from the mid-80s to mid-2013, colon cancer rates increased by 2% each year in people aged 20 to 39.

Lowering the recommended screening age to 25 may seem dramatic, but it's necessary. Early detection and prevention are key to improving the survival rate of this brutal disease. It's time our healthcare system adjusts to the harsh demands of these circumstances and provide the necessary screenings sooner. This isn't just about changing a policy; it's about saving lives. The change starts with us.

Please, sign this petition today and demand a downward shift in colonoscopy screening age to 25. Together, we have the power to prevent others from walking this arduous path.