Tiffany Dorantes, 45, of Pewaukee, went into her first colonoscopy in September 2025 assuming she would get the same all-clear results her siblings received. Although a 77-year-old close family member had been recently diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, Tiffany wasn’t overly worried about her own colon. She felt healthy, had just had a normal annual check-up and lab work, and had not noticed any unusual symptoms.
Therefore, the mother of two was stunned to get the unexpected news when she came out of sedation.
“I woke up to the doctor holding my hand and telling me, ‘We found something,’” Tiffany said. “He said, ‘We’re going to wait for the biopsy, but it could be cancer.’”
Early Detection for Colon Cancer
After the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis the next day, Tiffany scheduled a consultation with the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network.
In 2021, cancer screening guidelines lowered the recommendation for colonoscopies from age 50 to 45 to provide earlier detection.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing colorectal cancer more and more among people under the age of 50,” said Carrie Peterson, MD, colorectal surgeon and MCW faculty member. “We don’t know why, but we think it’s probably an environmental factor.”
A few days after Tiffany’s colonoscopy, Dr. Peterson used a scope procedure to assess the best surgical approach and ordered blood work and a CT scan to determine whether Tiffany’s cancer had spread to other areas. Fortunately, the tumor, measuring 5 centimeters, or a little smaller than a golf ball, was still contained in the lower part of Tiffany’s colon.
Six Facts to Know About Colonoscopy
Minimal Surgery to Preserve Colon
Less than two weeks later, Dr. Peterson performed minimally invasive surgery to remove the affected portion of Tiffany’s colon. While some patients require a colostomy bag for bowel movements after surgery, Dr. Peterson was able to preserve Tiffany’s normal bowel function. Tiffany recovered with no complications.
“Tiffany’s treatment was relatively straightforward, but we see a lot of complicated cases,” Dr. Peterson said. “We have extensive experience and expertise dealing with challenging situations.”
Tiffany’s tumor was classified as stage II because it had gone through the colon wall, but a negative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test showed she did not require follow-up chemotherapy. She continues to be monitored by James Thomas, MD, PhD, medical oncologist and MCW faculty member who specializes in gastrointestinal cancers.
While Tiffany’s whirlwind September was a stressful time, the team at the Cancer Network made it easier.
“AlI my doctors were amazing,” Tiffany said. “They listened, cared and did everything to help me through this.”
“Colonoscopies are a powerful tool for detecting and removing polyps before they turn cancerous,” Dr. Peterson said. “It can even treat cancer. In some patients with very small cancers, a polypectomy, removing it entirely endoscopically, is sufficient treatment for their tumor.”
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer
People with a family history of colorectal cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease may want to consider screening before age 45. Signs for concern include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits and unexplained anemia.
Tiffany’s experience has motivated her to speak out about the need for early cancer screening, and she has lobbied legislators to lower the age guidelines even more.
“I feel grateful I didn’t procrastinate,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine if I had waited and pushed it off a year because I wasn’t having any problems. Every part of me is thankful I was able to get this done and that it was caught early.”
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