How one patient’s colorectal cancer journey highlights the importance of screening

“If you don’t feel right, say something. Don’t ignore that pain if it’s not going away, because you never know.”

In the middle of chemotherapy, Sara Ashenhurst found comfort in simple routines - reading, crafting and focusing on one small task at a time.

Just weeks earlier, everything had changed.

When a sharp pain in her lower right side wouldn’t go away, Sara decided to get it checked. What she thought might be appendicitis led to something unexpected.

A colonoscopy revealed colorectal cancer.

Sara’s care team quickly came together to guide her through the next steps, focusing not only on treating her cancer, but supporting her through every stage of the journey.

At 39, Sara represents a growing number of younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, which is a trend that continues to shift how physicians think about screening. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among adults under 55, with rates continuing to rise in younger populations.

For Sara, the diagnosis also carried a personal connection. Her grandfather had faced colon cancer, and she kept a reminder of him close throughout her treatment.

“I made sure that he was there with me through all of this,” she said. “We were in it together.”

Her care began with Dr. Mark Soliman, medical director of colorectal surgery for AdventHealth’s Digestive Health and Surgery Institute, who emphasized a collaborative approach.

“It’s incredibly important that we take care of cancer patients in a multidisciplinary manner,” Soliman said. “We make better decisions as a team.”

By bringing together experts across specialties, this team-based approach helps each person feel supported in every part of their health — body, mind and spirit — a reflection of AdventHealth’s commitment to whole-person care.

After surgery, Sara met with Dr. Ahmed Zakari, director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at AdventHealth Cancer Institute. While surgery was successful, her cancer was classified as stage 2-B, and chemotherapy was recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

“Our role is how we can enhance that chance of being cured,” Zakari said, “and reassure patients that they have a very good chance of beating cancer.”

Sara completed 12 weeks of chemotherapy, staying grounded in the routines that helped her get through each day.

“I wasn’t going to allow this to take me down,” she said.

When treatment ended, she marked the moment in a way many cancer patients do - by ringing the bell.

“It was one of the best moments of my life,” she said. “Knowing that I had beat it.”

Today, Sara is back to enjoying time outdoors, walking her dog and being present with the people she loves. She’s also focused on sharing her story with others in hopes it will help save lives.

“If you don’t feel right, say something,” she said. “Don’t ignore that pain if it’s not going away, because you never know.”

If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule your colonoscopy and get screened today.