Dr Benny Johnson’s strong message about his wife’s cancer diagnosis in this colorectal cancer awareness month

March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a disease that is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and the third most common cancer. The age for diagnosis keeps going down resulting in younger patients diagnosed with a disease that with increased awareness can be detected in early stages and offered better treatment options.

Colorectal cancer awareness is the center of oncology community’s attention during this month. Patient stories, physician remarks and advocate’s calls for action embrace the importance of screenings, clinical trials and novel therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease.

Here we share a story from a gastrointestinal medical oncologist Dr Benny Johnson, Senior Medical Director at Agenus, who wrote a heartfelt message on his LinkedIn page centered around his wife’s diagnosis of colorectal cancer and fight to become a SURVIVOR:

“Personal Reflection for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and this year holds a special significance for me as my wife was diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer last April. Her journey has been a testament to incredible strength and resilience.

Witnessing her bravery to participate in a neoadjuvant immunotherapy clinical trial (NEST-2) halfway across the country has profoundly reshaped my perspective on this disease, what it truly means to be a patient, and ultimately, a colorectal cancer survivor.

In a tribute to her, we proudly display a blue flag at the National Mall in Washington, DC as part of the Wall of Champions sponsored by Fight Colorectal Cancer. Her flag joins thousands of others representing families honoring their loved ones and symbolizing hope for all those affected by colorectal cancer.

This year alone, over 153,000 individuals in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with nearly 20,000 cases occurring in patients under the age of 50. Alarmingly, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer has been rising by about 2% per year since the mid-1990s.

Sadly, by 2030, colorectal cancer is projected to be the No. 1 cause of cancer mortality for people ages 20 to 49.

These staggering statistics underscore the urgent need for awareness and early detection, especially among younger populations who may not realize their risk. If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms, please reach out to your PCP!

Today, I am thankful that my journey has allowed me to spend six years as a GI Oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, having the privilege to care for patients with colorectal cancer. Over the past year, I have also joined the clinical development team at Agenus, where we are dedicated to advancing innovative immunotherapy for patients with treatment-refractory microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, representing our most mature program to date.

We are also working with thought leaders across the globe who share our commitment to designing groundbreaking clinical trials focused on de-escalation of therapy for early-stage colon and rectal cancer, aiming for patient-focused clinical endpoints with meaningful disease control. Working with an amazing team so passionate about swiftly making a real impact in patients’ lives is both inspiring and fulfilling.

‘I am most honored to walk this road with my own wife, my best friend, who this month thankfully celebrates being 11 months cancer-free! Together, let’s continue to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, advocate for our loved ones and patients, and push the boundaries of what cancer research can do—bringing hope to those who need it most.’ – Dr Benny Johnson.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.”

Read the exclusive interview with Dr Benny Johnson published on OncoDaily about his wife’s diagnosis, his career and colorectal cancer research in the inaugural issue of OncoDaily Magazine.