After a stage 1 colon cancer diagnosis, Marisa Stachelski learned she carried a BRCA2 mutation, leading her to pursue risk-reducing surgeries and advocacy.

Marisa Stachelski was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer at age 37 after experiencing persistent bloating, abdominal pain, and blood in her stool. Following her diagnosis, genetic testing revealed she carried a BRCA2 mutation, which increases the lifetime risk of several cancers. Stachelski subsequently underwent risk-reducing surgeries and now participates in clinical trials and regular screenings to manage her health.

Diagnosis and Genetic Findings

Stachelski began experiencing gastrointestinal issues in the summer of 2022. After a G-MAP test and a colonoscopy revealed a cancerous polyp, she was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer. Her oncologist recommended genetic testing, which identified a BRCA2 mutation. While she was initially unaware of her family's cancer history due to estrangement from her father's side, she later learned of a cousin with colon cancer and that her paternal grandmother had died of stomach cancer.

Risk Reduction and Clinical Trials

To address the increased cancer risks associated with the BRCA2 mutation, Stachelski underwent a nipple-sparing double mastectomy in June 2023. In September 2024, she enrolled in a clinical trial at Mount Sinai Hospital that allowed her to have her fallopian tubes removed to reduce ovarian cancer risk while delaying the removal of her ovaries. She also had precancerous tissue removed from her stomach seven months after her initial cancer diagnosis.

Advocacy and Awareness

Stachelski began sharing her health journey on social media, which inspired others to seek screenings. In August 2025, she launched a podcast titled 'BRCA and Beyond' to provide resources for others. She now works full-time on the podcast and collaborates with organizations including BRCA Strong, Lynch Syndrome Awareness, the National Society of Genetic Counselors, and FORCE.