{
  "id": 6899381,
  "title": "Her Bloating Turned Out to Be Colon Cancer at 37. Then She Learned She Had a BRCA2 Mutation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/her-bloating-turned-out-to-be-colon-cancer-at-37-then-she-learned-she",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-12T07:38:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Healthline News",
    "slug": "healthline-news",
    "url": "https://www.healthline.com/health-news/bloating-colon-cancer-brca2-mutation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Marisa Stachelski was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer at the age of 37 after suffering from persistent bloating, pain, and blood in her stool. She initially believed her symptoms were due to her diet, but after months of discomfort, a G-MAP stool test revealed traces of blood in her stool. Stachelski then saw a gastroenterologist, who performed a colonoscopy and discovered a cancerous polyp.\n\nShortly after her New Year's diagnosis, genetic testing revealed that she had a BRCA2 mutation, which significantly increases the risk of various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and fallopian tube cancers. Stachelski was shocked by the results, as there was no history of breast or ovarian cancer in her family. However, she later discovered that her father had died of pancreatic cancer, suggesting that the BRCA2 mutation may have come from his side of the family.\n\nDespite the high risks associated with a BRCA2 mutation, Stachelski decided against immediate risk-reducing surgery, such as a double mastectomy or hysterectomy, as she felt it would cause too much stress to live her life constantly worrying about her health. Instead, she opted for a surveillance approach, including regular cancer screenings and close monitoring of her health.\n\nIn September 2024, Stachelski enrolled in a clinical trial at Mount Sinai Hospital, which focuses on emerging research suggesting that many ovarian cancers may originate in the fallopian tubes before spreading to the ovaries. By participating in this trial, Stachelski aims to stay ahead of her cancer risks and potentially catch any potential issues earlier.",
  "summary": "After a stage 1 colon cancer diagnosis at 37, Marisa Stachelski (pictured above) learned she had a BRCA2 mutation that increased her risk of several other cancers. Photo: Marisa Stachelski Marisa Stachelski was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer at age 37 after experiencing persistent bloating, pain, and blood in her stool. Genetic testing later revealed a BRCA2 mutation, which can significantly…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}