{"id":17049,"date":"2026-07-25T19:24:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T14:24:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=17049"},"modified":"2026-07-25T19:24:27","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T14:24:27","slug":"a-33-year-old-nurse-thought-her-bleeding-was-caused-by-hemorrhoids-she-was-diagnosed-with-stage-3-colon-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=17049","title":{"rendered":"A 33-year-old nurse thought her bleeding was caused by hemorrhoids. She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" data-article-body=\"true\" data-body-type=\"bodyblocks\">\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Bryce Ramsey, 40, first noticed blood in her stool when she was 26.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She dismissed the symptom until it got worse over the years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 33.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When Bryce Ramsey first noticed on-and-off <a data-ylk=\"slk:blood in her stool;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/man-39-common-colon-cancer-symptom-blood-poop-toilet-2026-7?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">blood in her stool<\/a> in<strong> <\/strong>her 20s, it didn&#8217;t alarm her too much.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She thought the bleeding was due to hemorrhoids caused by either larger bowel movements or childbirth; she had recently given birth to her son, Ashton, who weighed over 10 pounds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She also increasingly felt fatigued, but had an explanation for that, too: she was a registered nurse at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. &#8220;I&#8217;m tired all the time, but I can justify that, as I work 12-hour shifts,&#8221; Ramsey, 40, told Business Insider.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey chemo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/720db338e38e678c48033c74252e23f8e705f91047317d58ceaffffceb2948dd\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2Fa3f0fce39c0c5c764a7935c7143b6e5a\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey dismissed blood in her stool, one of the most common colon cancer symptoms, for years.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">By 2019, when the bleeding got worse, she scheduled an appointment with a gastroenterologist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Despite Ramsey only being 33 at the time and having no known family history, her GI found blood in her stool \u2014 one of the most common <a data-ylk=\"slk:symptoms of colon cancer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/rectal-bleeding-most-common-early-sign-of-colon-cancer-taboo-2025-5?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">symptoms of colon cancer<\/a> \u2014 too concerning not to schedule her for a colonoscopy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Weeks later, Ramsey was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;I kind of was in shock but it didn&#8217;t really sink in,&#8221; she said. She called Mickee, her then-boyfriend (now-husband), to break the news. &#8220;I was just like, &#8216;Okay, well, we&#8217;ve got to get in there and get it out and move on.'&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><strong>She worked throughout chemo<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey chemo\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/1db9fcf8d1cdd50fda7d86a42043c873ec8818101dc0e9326e56dc009564087c\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2F18fc1af7067aa1a49d4f978dd7f91598\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey working during her chemo treatments.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After <a data-ylk=\"slk:Ramsey's colonoscopy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/colon-cancer-symptoms-in-my-30s-colonoscopy-cost-insurance-2025-7?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Ramsey&#8217;s colonoscopy<\/a>, she learned she had a polyp that was too large to remove during the procedure. She was scheduled for an appointment with a general surgeon, who diagnosed her with colon cancer. Ramsey learned that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The surgery, performed in November 2019, removed 3 feet of Ramsey&#8217;s colon and 13 lymph nodes. Before she could start her next phase of treatment, Mickee \u2014 who was friends with the surgeon \u2014 asked for a favor: could they postpone her treatment by a few weeks so he could trip to New Orleans?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey with husband\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/e184f67d782174406bca547fc0513a215a4e2f924453e6063f4d334285096ab2\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2F7a18dc12f0bd7931b66ec52d6334f352\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>After Ramsey&#8217;s surgery, Mickee popped the question during a Saints football game. &#8220;It was really cool,&#8221; Ramsey said.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In January 2020, newly-engaged<strong> <\/strong>Ramsey began two <a data-ylk=\"slk:types of chemotherapy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/biggest-cancer-innovations-asco-2025-exercise-as-drug-astra-zeneca-early-treatment-2025-6?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">types of chemotherapy<\/a> at once: IV and oral. Ramsey continued to work all throughout chemo. At that point, she was a branch manager for a home health agency. She said she took her computer with her to chemo appointments.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The oral chemo led to Ramsey developing severe side effects and losing 17 pounds. &#8220;I got really, really, really sick because of that,&#8221; she said. She also developed cold sensitivity in her fingers. &#8220;I had to wear gloves or use a potholder to open my car door,&#8221; she said, and drinking cold water felt like &#8220;blades were in my throat.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Ramsey said her son and her recent engagement helped her figure out her &#8220;why&#8221; for staying strong during treatment. &#8220;I was determined no one else was going to raise my little boy but me,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><strong>A surprise pregnancy months after treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey and family\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/bff7389545cc1eb16d5739b5ac084257d260054793bc47c6a233df70971d3745\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2Fb5bc3e5f8af62e28ed5520ad2be3751e\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey unexpectedly became pregnant with her son, Emree, only a few months after finishing her chemotherapy treatments.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Before starting chemotherapy, Ramsey was offered <a data-ylk=\"slk:fertility preservation services;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/young-cancer-fertility-preservation-egg-sperm-freezing-state-laws-2025-11?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">fertility preservation services<\/a>, as chemotherapy can impair fertility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Because Ramsey and Mickee were in a blended family that included Mickee&#8217;s children, Ramsey declined. She also didn&#8217;t use birth control.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A few months after finishing chemo in March 2020, Ramsey learned she was pregnant. At first, she was worried about her baby&#8217;s health: &#8220;I&#8217;m a complete nervous wreck that I&#8217;m going to give birth to a little baby Transformer or something,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey wedding\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/e406aadd4a29735eb2d0b6ffac63ec05bb16f5ce93f101f5784f25fa5813822d\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2F128404520cd30446d205c83e28f921bc\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey juggled planning her wedding and her pregnancy right after ending her cancer treatment.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Still, she felt comforted by a dream she had before her <a data-ylk=\"slk:cancer diagnosis;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/true-cost-young-colon-cancer-crisis-2025-10?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">cancer diagnosis<\/a>. &#8220;I&#8217;m a very spiritually faith-based person, and I had a dream,&#8221; she said. &#8220;The Lord told me there was going to be another baby, and his name was going to be Luke or Lucas.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Ramsey named her son Emree Lucas-Ray Ramsey. She said his name means &#8220;&#8216;strong ray of light,&#8217; which couldn&#8217;t be any more perfect than from the situation that he came from.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\"><strong>Genetic testing helped her family get diagnosed with colon cancer, too<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey winning pageant\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/e97013619228c9da88c08439b47ed98d429cd2357a20098eab351a429f25d3d4\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2Ff09a9e3c6e7aafc0ccc831c0e94f267f\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey, who won the 2024 Mrs. Mississippi Plus America pageant, chose colon cancer awareness as her platform.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After she was diagnosed with colon cancer, Ramsey learned about genetic testing for mutations that could predispose one to cancer. Ramsey decided to do it, and learned she had <a data-ylk=\"slk:Lynch syndrome;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/active-45-year-old-man-diagnosed-colorectal-cancer-lynch-syndrome-2026-7?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Lynch syndrome<\/a>, a symptomless, inherited condition that increases her risk of developing colon, uterine, and ovarian cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Now in remission, Ramsey gets yearly colonoscopies, scans, and bloodwork. She also had a hysterectomy last year, unrelated to cancer, that she said makes her extra relieved because it removes her risk of developing uterine and ovarian cancer as a result of having Lynch syndrome.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Since learning she has Lynch syndrome, Ramsey begged her family members to get cancer screenings. &#8220;I was the whistleblower,&#8221; she said. As a result, she said her brother caught his colon cancer at stage 1, her father now has a <a data-ylk=\"slk:colostomy bag;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/woman-colon-cancer-misdiagnosed-ibs-hemorrhoid-2025-3?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">colostomy bag<\/a> from his own colon cancer treatment, and her aunt learned that what she thought were gallstones were masses in her colon and liver.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Bryce Ramsey DC\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/e49012b644421e91018c5c94f14aab87024c4a312d9d149a27739c7d118ec9b9\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2F0796485fd52ebad9686656b8fc546729\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\"><\/p>\n<p>Ramsey now advocates for greater awareness around colon cancer and screening for genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome.Bryce Ramsey<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When Ramsey&#8217;s sons reach their 20s \u2014 the recommended age to start testing for Lynch syndrome \u2014 she hopes they&#8217;ll get tested, too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Ramsey, who was crowned Mrs. Mississippi Plus America in 2024, used the opportunity to spread <a data-ylk=\"slk:colon cancer awareness;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.businessinsider.com\/colon-rectal-cancer-rise-young-people-protect-yourself-lower-risk-2026-3?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=yahoocom&amp;utm_medium=syndication&amp;utm_source=yahoo\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">colon cancer awareness <\/a>\u2014 something she&#8217;s passionate about. Ramsey has also worked with several advocacy groups and lobbied for funding for genetic testing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;What I say in every one of my speeches is: &#8216;If it doesn&#8217;t seem right, more than likely it&#8217;s not,'&#8221; Ramsey said. &#8220;What&#8217;s scary is that, as a nurse, I still wasn&#8217;t fully convinced this might be cancer.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow <a data-ylk=\"slk:Business Insider;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/profiles.yahoo.com\/brands\/business-insider\/\">Business Insider<\/a> on Yahoo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bryce Ramsey, 40, first noticed blood in her stool when she was 26. She dismissed the symptom until it got worse over the years. She was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at 33. When Bryce Ramsey first noticed on-and-off blood in her stool in her 20s, it didn&#8217;t alarm her too much. She thought&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/ffd1275e2b5ca756d83709d6636d915845a752776c3c5dec1fd0f15045bd54a4\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w1200;quality_80;format_webp\/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbusiness_insider_consolidated_articles_886%2F240d1aa0093c2f3b1df75da6c21b9781","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17049"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17049\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17050"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}