Abby Wambach's Colon Cancer Screening at 35 Saves Her Life

Former soccer captain Abby Wambach got a colon cancer screening at 35. This is much younger than the usual age of 45.

Abby Wambach, the former captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team, has publicly stated that a colon cancer screening performed at age 35 likely saved her life. This statement comes amid an observed rise in colon cancer cases among younger demographics.

Soccer legend Abby Wambach said colon cancer screening at 35 likely saved her life - 1

Wambach's proactive screening at 35, prompted by her mother's diagnosis, highlights a personal pivot toward early detection, contrasting with general medical guidelines that often suggest screening beginning at age 45.

Soccer legend Abby Wambach said colon cancer screening at 35 likely saved her life - 2

Wambach’s personal experience underscores the potential for 'early intervention' in combating the disease, particularly when familial history is present. She reportedly remarked on the relative brevity of the procedure, noting, "It doesn’t take that long."

Soccer legend Abby Wambach said colon cancer screening at 35 likely saved her life - 3

The emphasis on Wambach's screening age of 35 stands out, as current recommendations from organizations like the American Cancer Society typically advise starting colon cancer screening at age 45 for the general population. Her narrative suggests that individual circumstances and family history might necessitate earlier consideration for this health check. Wambach has also indicated that colon cancer is not confined to older age groups, asserting it "can affect anyone."

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Soccer legend Abby Wambach said colon cancer screening at 35 likely saved her life - 4

The reporting on Wambach's statements appears across various financial and news aggregation platforms, including Benzinga and B17 News, on March 22, 2026. These outlets frame her comments within a context of health awareness and the increasing prevalence of cancer in younger adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Abby Wambach get a colon cancer screening at age 35?
Abby Wambach decided to get screened for colon cancer at age 35 because her mother had been diagnosed with the disease. This personal history led her to seek early detection.
Q: What did Abby Wambach say about her colon cancer screening experience?
Abby Wambach stated that her colon cancer screening at age 35 likely saved her life. She also mentioned that the procedure was not very long.
Q: Are colon cancer screenings usually recommended at age 35?
No, standard medical guidelines, like those from the American Cancer Society, usually suggest starting colon cancer screenings at age 45 for people without specific risk factors.
Q: Why is Abby Wambach's story important for younger people?
Abby Wambach's story is important because it shows that colon cancer can affect younger people, not just older adults. Her early screening highlights the value of checking for cancer sooner, especially with a family history.
Q: When were Abby Wambach's comments about her screening reported?
Abby Wambach's comments about her colon cancer screening experience were reported on March 22, 2026, by news outlets like Benzinga and B17 News.