I got stage 4 colorectal cancer at 34 — the symptom I dismissed as a common mom issue

New York Post - Apr 21st, 2025

Sara Beran, a 34-year-old mother and business owner, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer after experiencing symptoms she initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome. Despite the late-stage diagnosis, Beran underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and surgeries, and has been cancer-free for three years. Her journey highlights the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer among younger adults and the importance of early detection.

Colorectal cancer is now a significant threat to those under 50, with diagnoses expected to double by 2030. As survivors like Beran emerge, they emphasize the importance of screenings and second opinions. Beran, alongside her friend Brooks Bell, co-founded the fashion brand Worldclass to raise awareness and fund colonoscopies for those in need. Their advocacy aims to reduce the stigma around colon cancer and promote proactive health measures, potentially saving lives through early intervention.

Cancer Treatment Cancer Awareness Sara Beran Colorectal Cancer Early Screenings Worldclass Brand Brooks Bell Health Advocacy

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively combines a personal narrative with important public health information, making it both engaging and informative. It accurately represents Sara Beran's journey with colorectal cancer and highlights the rising incidence of the disease among younger adults. The story is well-supported by credible sources, though additional expert commentary and explicit citations could further enhance its reliability and transparency.

The article is timely and relevant, addressing a significant public health issue that affects many people. It encourages readers to consider the importance of early screening and self-advocacy in healthcare settings. While not particularly controversial, the story has the potential to influence public opinion and drive discussions about cancer prevention and screening guidelines.

Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, with a clear structure and engaging narrative. It effectively balances personal experience with factual information, making it a valuable contribution to public health awareness.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate and well-supported by external sources. It accurately reports on Sara Beran's diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment journey, as well as broader epidemiological data about colorectal cancer. The claim that IBS affects up to 45 million Americans aligns with health statistics, and the rising trend of colorectal cancer in younger adults is corroborated by the American Cancer Society. However, the claim about colorectal cancer being the deadliest for men under 50 and second deadliest for women should be cross-verified with specific cancer mortality data.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view of Sara Beran's personal experience with colorectal cancer while also highlighting broader public health concerns. It effectively balances personal narrative with factual information about cancer trends. However, the story could benefit from including expert opinions or additional patient perspectives to provide a more comprehensive view of the issue.

Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to understand, with a clear structure that guides the reader through Sara Beran's journey. The language is straightforward, and the narrative is compelling, maintaining reader engagement throughout. The article effectively balances personal narrative with factual information, making it accessible to a general audience.

Source quality

The story is supported by credible sources, including statements from the American Cancer Society and interviews with Sara Beran. The use of direct quotes from Beran adds authenticity to the narrative. However, the article would benefit from citing additional medical experts or studies to strengthen its claims about cancer statistics and treatment outcomes.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of Sara Beran's story, clearly explaining her symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. However, it lacks explicit citations or references to the external sources that support its claims about colorectal cancer statistics and trends. Including these would enhance the transparency of the reporting.