Alondra's Story: Getting Back to Life
Alondra had just passed her social work licensing exam when she started having symptoms. After seeing blood in her stool, the busy mother of three said she knew in her heart something wasn’t right and committed herself to getting an answer.
“I made an appointment to see my doctor, and thankfully, he took me seriously even though I’m younger than a lot of colorectal cancer patients,” she says. “He sent me right away to get a colonoscopy.”
Colorectal cancer has historically been considered a disease of older adults, but in recent decades, cases among younger individuals have been on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 has increased by nearly 2% each year since the mid-1990s, even as overall incidence has declined. Researchers are working to understand the causes of this trend, which may include genetic factors, diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
After Surgery, Getting Back to Life
“When I heard the words ‘you have cancer,’ I felt like my world had shifted,” Alondra recalls. “But after the initial shock, I knew I had to focus on what I could control—how I fought back.”
Alondra’s resilience became her greatest asset. She threw herself into understanding her disease and its treatment, determined to do everything she could to overcome it.
After meeting with Dr. Marco Zoccali, a colorectal surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia, she underwent surgery just one week later to remove the segment of colon affected by the tumor along with 42 lymph nodes with a minimally invasive procedure. She was up and walking only hours after her surgery, and was able to go home the next day. But what stood out most to her was how Dr. Zoccali treated her not just as a patient, but as a person.
“Dr. Zoccali never stopped talking about a cure,” Alondra says. “He made it clear that his priority was getting me back to my kids, back to my life, as quickly as possible.”
“Alondra’s strength was evident from the start,” says Dr. Zoccali. “Our goal was not only to treat her cancer but to ensure she could return to the life she loves in the shortest period of time. With early-onset colorectal cancer, timeliness and the right procedure can make all the difference.”
Focusing on Health – Body and Mind
Now, Alondra is beginning to feel like herself again, focusing on the mind-body connection that has become so important in her recovery. She has shifted to a whole-foods-based diet and is prioritizing stress management, sleep, and her overall mental health.
Her experience has given her a new perspective, one she feels compelled to share. “We have to be mindful of how we treat our bodies, listen to the research, and make the changes in your life to give your body what it might be lacking,” she says. “Understanding your own health and working with your care team to bring nutrition, mindfulness, and stress management into the conversation is key.”
This past summer, Alondra celebrated two years cancer-free with a family trip to visit her sister who lives in Norway. “Taking that trip felt like a full-circle moment,” she says. “I feel like I can finally breathe again.”
Alondra hopes her story will encourage others—especially young adults—to be aware of the signs of colorectal cancer and seek medical attention without delay. “Look back,” she says. “Literally and figuratively. Don’t ignore any symptoms you might have, and make sure to advocate for yourself to get answers to your own health.”
