East Granby Student Seeks Cancer Stories To Support Screening Push

EAST GRANBY, CT — East Granby High School sophomore McKenzie Cormier wants to hear from people whose lives have been affected by colorectal cancer.

Cormier is collecting stories from patients, relatives and close friends as part of her effort to lower the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening from 45 to 40. People can share their experiences through Colorectal Cancer Stories on Facebook or crc_stories on Instagram.

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State Rep. Tami Zawistowski said Cormier approached her earlier this year for guidance on the project. Zawistowski connected her with Bryte Johnson, a Connecticut lobbyist for the American Cancer Society, and Dr. Rohit Singhania, a gastroenterologist. Their discussion turned to how personal stories could help people understand the importance of early detection, Zawistowski said.

The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk. People at higher risk may need to start earlier. The recommendation for people at average risk has not changed.

Cormier and her family discussed the project in an NBC Connecticut interview Friday, according to Zawistowski. Anyone affected by colorectal cancer, including close friends and family members, is invited to share a story.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.