Colorectal cancer survivor and TV anchor Lindy Thackston shares what she wishes more people understood about the disease and the power of early screening.
As a colorectal cancer survivor, what symptoms or warning signs do you wish more people understood and acted on sooner?
One of the biggest dangers is assuming, “It couldn’t be me,” because that mindset can delay people from paying attention to symptoms or advocating for themselves. I wish more people understood that changes in bowel habits are not something to ignore or normalize. Things like ongoing constipation or diarrhea, narrowing of stools, unexplained abdominal pain, or a feeling that something isn’t right in your digestion can be early warning signs. Rectal bleeding should also never be assumed to be “just hemorrhoids.” I also wish people took unexplained fatigue, unintended weight loss, and persistent bloating more seriously. These symptoms are often brushed off or attributed to stress or diet, but when they persist, they deserve attention.
How has your experience with colorectal cancer changed the way you think about the importance of routine screening and listening to your body?
Going through colorectal cancer taught me that health is not something you can always judge from the outside. You can be active, busy, young, and doing all the “right” things and still face something serious. That changed the way I think about screenings, because they are not optional extras.
It also made me much more aware of how easy it is to explain away symptoms. Fatigue, digestive changes, discomfort, or pain can be minimized in day-to-day life, especially when life is busy. At the time, not only was I anchoring a morning show with a 2 a.m. wake-up call, but I was emceeing Indiana Pacers games until late into the night, and raising a 4-year-old. Looking back, I understand the importance of slowing down long enough to recognize when your body is asking for attention instead of assuming things will simply pass. At the same time, this conversation should not create panic. The goal is awareness, not fear. Know your body, notice changes, and don’t ignore symptoms simply because you don’t fit the stereotype.
Many people assume colorectal cancer only affects older adults. What would you say to someone who believes they’re too young or healthy to be concerned?
Being young and healthy is wonderful, but it is not immunity. I was 39, with zero family history and not many risk factors. When I was diagnosed, I went online to see if I could find others in the same situation by searching “young-onset colorectal cancer” on social media. I was blown away at, sadly, how many there were. That was six years ago, and rates have since exploded. For younger adults, especially, self-advocacy matters. If something continues to feel wrong, it is okay to ask more questions, request follow-up testing, or seek another opinion. Many young patients were initially told they were too young until they pushed for answers.
Sharing your journey publicly has helped raise awareness for so many others. What message do you hope people take away when they hear your story?
I hope people walk away understanding that cancer does not always have a face, age, or story that fits the stereotype. I also hope people take away a sense of hope. Even six years later, it is not always easy, but in the hardest moments, there can still be strength, purpose, community, and light.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. What encouragement would you offer to someone who has been putting off screening or testing?
Early detection changes outcomes dramatically. When colorectal cancer is found early, treatment is often more effective and less aggressive. A test that may feel inconvenient or uncomfortable for a short time could ultimately protect years of your life. I also understand why people delay it. Fear, embarrassment, busy schedules, or the assumption that “I feel fine” can make it easy to put off, but colorectal cancer often develops quietly. Getting screened is an act of caring for yourself and the people who love you.
