NPR Podcast Links Stigma to Colon Cancer

In a recent episode of the podcast "It's Been a Minute," host Brittany Luse examined the rising rates of colorectal cancer, particularly among people under the age of 50. The discussion centered on why the disease is not more widely discussed, attributing the silence to the cultural shame and embarrassment many people feel when talking about bowel movements and related health issues.

Luse was joined by writer Laurie Abraham, who detailed her own experience with colon cancer and embarrassment in an essay for The Cut, and Dr. Kimmie Ng, Co-Director of the Colon and Rectal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The guests explored how this cultural stigma can directly hinder public awareness campaigns. The segment also examined how this difficulty in discussing the disease extends to a lack of sufficient funding and research.