Story perspectives

Philadelphia Survivor Calls for Better Colon Cancer Screening

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Janaylon Wright, a 33-year-old Philadelphia native, recovered from colon-cancer surgery and completed chemotherapy.
Doctors initially dismissed her lower-abdominal pain and constipation as “female issues” and age-related.
She now plans to become a first-time mother while advocating for better cancer-screening access for people of color.
The Cancer Disparities Progress Report, citing co-author Dr. John Carethers, notes death rates for minorities, low-income and less-educated people and says education can reduce those gaps.

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Story summary

Janaylon Wright, a 33-year-old Philadelphia native, recovered from colon-cancer surgery and completed chemotherapy.
Doctors initially dismissed her lower-abdominal pain and constipation as “female issues” and age-related.
She now plans to become a first-time mother while advocating for better cancer-screening access for people of color.
The Cancer Disparities Progress Report, citing co-author Dr. John Carethers, notes death rates for minorities, low-income and less-educated people and says education can reduce those gaps.