Jessica Acosta
“I hope people see just how important self-advocacy is in life. You know your body better than anyone.”
Jessica Acosta was in her 20s when she was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that raises the risk of many types of cancer, especially colorectal and endometrial cancer. Based on the recommendation of her genetic counselor, she had planned on getting her first colonoscopy at age 30.
Rectal cancer, however, accelerated that timeline. She had been experiencing some bothersome symptoms, which her doctors thought could be attributed to irritable bowel syndrome. But she had a gut feeling that it could be something else. After talking with her doctors about her concerns, she underwent a colonoscopy that revealed a tumor in her rectum. She was 29.
Jessica’s first thoughts upon diagnosis were: “Self-advocacy really works. It was a reminder to trust my instincts and to keep going until I felt heard.” Right after her colonoscopy, she began keeping a daily journal: “Whether I was working through the emotions that came with navigating unknowns or just documenting how exhausted I was, I made sure to write something down.” During her hardest days, she was grateful for her support system and adds, “none of this would be possible without my wife.”
Jessica’s oncologist told her about a Stand Up To Cancer-funded clinical trial that had reported amazing results using an immunotherapy drug to treat people with her exact cancer. The trial had been conducted in New York, but she was able to receive treatment in California. “Because of the trial’s success, I was able to receive the same care at home rather than traveling 3,000 miles away to be treated.”
In just three months, Jessica’s tumor was gone, and she was declared to have no evidence of disease after finishing treatment in September of 2024. “I am so grateful for the breakthrough treatment that saved my life,” she says. And because her tumor had been completely eliminated by the immunotherapy drug, Jessica didn’t need rectal surgery— ensuring that she would have a better quality of life.
Today, Jessica is using her story to empower young adults to advocate for themselves and show the importance of cancer research. Her advice to others facing a diagnosis begins with putting yourself first: “If you aren’t comfortable, it’s okay to find a second opinion. You should always have a seat at the table when it comes to discussing your care.”
Since cancer research played a big role in her story, she shares, “I want people to know that their donations are changing so many lives like mine. I’m forever grateful to SU2C for their efforts in moving science forward.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
