JEFF YOUNG

Jeff Young got a quick lesson in genetics after colorectal cancer entered his life.

Although Jeff’s only symptom was severe abdominal pain, he was soon diagnosed with stage II colon cancer. He had surgery and chemotherapy, and his doctors insisted on extensive genetic testing. Jeff was diagnosed with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) with a mutation of the MLH1 gene, which doctors found that he had inherited from his father. Since his diagnosis, he and his dad both adhere to a strict screening regimen for HNPCC-related cancers.

Jeff has always been comfortable with who he is, and now that includes getting comfortable in his own genes.