Latest News from State Capitol and 55th?District??

March 5, 2026

Colorectal Cancer and How I Became the Story

This time last year, recognizing March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Rep. Cooper asked that I break a cardinal rule in staff communications: to write the story but never be the story.

But I was actively fighting colorectal cancer and that warranted some rule bending.

I wrote about awareness campaigns and that had I been better aware, my treatment, which included a permanent colostomy, may not have been necessary.

What a year it has been. For me, as well as the topic overall.

Annual estimates by the American Cancer Society predict new cases to increase from 152,000 in 2025 to just shy of 159,000. It further estimates that more than 55,000 Americans will lose their lives to the disease. Ultimately, this makes colorectal cancer now the leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. men and women under the age 50.

The nonprofit organization Colorectal Cancer Alliance puts it differently. About every 25 minutes, an American in their 40s or younger is diagnosed with the disease. That’s almost 60 new cases each day.

For me, my cancer diagnosis has shifted from receiving treatment to holding the label of No Evidence of Disease (NED). I’m tested frequently to maintain that label, while also receiving different treatments for lingering side effects from surgery and chemotherapy.

In many ways, my life is back to normal, but not the same normal.

I pay closer attention to what I eat, looking to avoid ultra-processed foods. This is even though researchers can only estimate the causes of colorectal cancer.

Throughout the year, I asked my doctors about the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2018 shift, recommending routine screenings begin at the age of 45, or 40 if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, from 50 and 45 respectively. 

My colorectal surgeon said plainly, “they could have made it 35 and 30, and it still wouldn’t be early enough.”

And the last year has obligated me to make certain I am telling my story. Within a few weeks of my first test showing I am NED, I lost a good friend who had an identical cancer. But diagnosed stage IV, he and his doctors spent 10 years chasing the disease to his liver, lungs, spine and brain. 

Since 2026 began, one of the most notable Hollywood mothers, Catherine O’Hara, died from a pulmonary embolism related to her battle with colorectal cancer. Shortly after, the disease claimed the life of the popular TV and film actor, James Van Der Beek.

They didn’t make it. So far, I have. There has to be a reason. So, after having told my story, I’ll make my pitch: please, get checked.

My symptoms didn’t reveal themselves until a pre-cancerous polyp had already morphed into a tumor. I was 52 at the time. If I had a colonoscopy sooner, perhaps the polyp could have been found and removed.

While colonoscopies are generally regarded as the most effective means of finding colorectal cancer, there are other cancer tests that can be helpful. If you are experiencing colorectal cancer symptoms, such as changes in bowel habits, ongoing cramping or unexplained weight loss, speak with your doctor.

You can find more resources about early and regular screenings on the CDC website, cdc.gov. For additional details, visit colorectalcancer.org.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Your Opinion Counts - Concern continues to rise from parents and educators that students’ use of cell phones has become a serious distraction from learning. Different approaches to address the issue have been discussed in the General Assembly and I have created a survey for those 18 years of age or older to weigh in. You can find the survey on my website, RepJillCooper.com. 

Local Businesses Invited! – I am hosting a Business Roundtable to discuss what is working and the ongoing challenges encountered by local entrepreneurs. Join me Friday, March 20, 7:30–9:30 a.m. at the Murrysville Community Center, 3091 Carson Ave., Murrysville. Registration by March 16 is required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com.

Jumpstart Into Your Next Chapter – My staff and I are hosting Junior Jumpstart, a financial aid seminar with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to help next year’s high school seniors begin navigating the world of college financing. Current seniors who have questions are certainly invited as well. Registration by March 25 is suggested but not required. Contact Robin Savage at 724-387-9113 or via email at rsavage@pahousegop.com. 



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com