March 2025

Your BMC

Colorectal Cancer is Rising in Younger Adults—Know the Signs and Get Screened

In recent years, colorectal cancer rates are rising, increasing by about 2% each year in people younger than 50. BMC’s Dr. Davids, chief of colon and rectal surgery, hopes to get more people —especially younger people — talking about their colon health during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, especially when things don’t feel right.

In this Q&A, Dr. Davids answers common questions about colorectal cancer, symptoms to watch for, and the importance of screening.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and most commonly starts as a growth, called a polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. It is a common type of cancer, but it’s also very preventable and treatable, especially when caught early.

What kind of symptoms should I look out for?

Symptoms include rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, seeing blood when you go to the bathroom, abdominal pain, weight loss, and/or fatigue. While it may feel awkward to talk about, it's really important to bring any symptoms to the attention of your primary care physician or provider.

If I don’t have symptoms, should I still get checked?

Yes. In response to rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people, the American Cancer Society (ACS) dropped the prescreening age for colorectal cancer from 50 to 45 in 2018. So, it’s possible you or the people you love are overdue! Any family history of colorectal cancer or polyps may prompt earlier screening. It's always best to check with your primary care physician for next steps.

How do I talk to my family about colon health?

We get it — people don't usually sit around the dinner table and talk about their colon polyps. Consider the time and place to have the conversation on family history and health, be on the lookout for symptoms regardless of family history, and be direct and honest about any of your concerns with your primary care physician.

What can I do to help reduce my risk of colon cancer?

We continue to learn more about different ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial — prioritize nutritious eating, regular exercise, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.

Get Expert Care for Colorectal Cancer at BMC →

Nadeia’s Story: The Power of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

When a co-worker mentioned being overdue for her mammogram, Nadeia Faustin, then 44, admitted she had never had one. “There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so I hadn’t gotten around to it,” Nadeia says. But the conversation stuck with her and inspired her to schedule a mammogram for February 2024. “That’s how I found out I had early-stage breast cancer,” says Nadeia.

She was referred to the BMC Breast Cancer Program, where she met with Drs. Michael Cassidy and Lauren Oshry, to talk about her treatment options. “I decided to go with the more aggressive approach because I didn’t want to take any chances,” Nadeia says.

After a successful treatment course that included surgery, chemo, and radiation, Nadeia now encourages everyone to get their cancer screenings. “Take care of yourself and your health; go get your mammogram.”

Read Nadeia’s Full Story →

Tax Season is Here: Get Filing Support at BMC

We know that when families receive their tax refunds, they can invest in essentials like healthier food, housing, and medical care – contributing to healthier lives.

That’s why StreetCred is currently offering FREE in-person tax filing to ensure that families can easily access their refund, including their tax credits. We are located in the BMC Pediatric Clinic and available to families who

make under $67,000/year and is easily accessible to families who have children who receive care at BMC’s Family Medicine or Pediatric Clinics.

StreetCred at Boston Medical Center, one of the nation’s first medical financial partnerships, integrates evidence-based, underutilized economic services into routine prenatal and infant health care. It also leads a national open-source, technical support learning community, the Health by Wealth Collective (HxWC) that supports patient communities across the country.

Tax preparation is available by appointment only. Schedule an Appointment Here

You may qualify for the Massachusetts Child and Family Tax Credit—even if you had no earned income in 2024. Get $440 for each eligible child under 13, dependent age 65 or older, family member with a disability, or spouse who needs care. To receive this credit, file your Massachusetts tax return by April 15. Free resources are available with information about federal and state tax credits and free ways to file.

Learn More and Get Free Tax Help Here →

Events

Time is Running Out: Register Today for Together for Hope 2025

Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something truly transformative. Join leading experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experience at Together for Hope 2025: Shaping the Future of Addiction Care, happening on April 16-17, 2025, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.

Hosted by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, this exciting two-day event is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build community with addiction experts and advocates from across the state. The conference will feature a keynote address by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Michael Curry, CEO of the Mass League of Community Health Centers. Register for Together For Hope 2025 Here.

Running For Excellent Care

This April, BMC patient Sarah Cormier will be running the 129^th Boston Marathon. It won’t be her first big race, but this race holds special meaning for her.

As a member of Team BMC, she’s not just running—she’s fundraising to support life-saving care. Having been treated for thyroid cancer at BMC, Sarah is grateful for the care that changed her life. “I truly owe my life and continued health to BMC,” she shares. Read Sarah’s Story Here.

Highlights from the 2025 Black Family Wellness Expo

BMC Health System is proud to have co-hosted the 2025 Black Family Wellness Expo — a day dedicated to supporting physical, mental, and financial health.

Part of a nationwide day of impact, the event united healthcare providers, community leaders, and local organizations to offer expert-led presentations, hands-on services, and valuable opportunities for families to take charge of their health. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and promote Black Family Wellness.

Did you attend the event? Check out the highlights from the day and let us know what session you enjoyed the most by leaving a comment here.

Awards

Nurse Kate Gamache Wins DAISY Award for Supporting a New Mom Through a Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Join us in congratulating postpartum nurse, Kate Gamache, for receiving a DAISY Award! This award honors extraordinary nurses who go the extra mile to deliver compassionate care to patients and their families. Learn more about nursing at BMC.

In Your Words

Doctors and nurses were all helpful, professional, kind and supportive. I am looking forward to working with them again on the next challenging steps. I am so lucky and grateful for this amazing care team at the BMC Breast Health Center. Thank you for taking the time to help and provide us with insights on my unique case.

“In Your Words” features patient comments from patient experience outreach surveys. We appreciate your time completing these surveys and for sharing your thoughts with us. The information gathered in these surveys is used to learn where we can improve, to continue to provide excellent care to all.

Helpful Links

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