On his 16th birthday in 2020, Dylan Kurtz learned that his father, Jonathan, would begin chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer. Having known only basic facts about the disease, Dylan said he felt uncertain about his father’s outlook until Jonathan explained the planned radiation and chemotherapy. That clear, age-appropriate conversation helped him understand how the diagnosis would change family life.
Marianne Pearson, MSW, LCSW, vice president of Cancer Care at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, says honest, developmentally appropriate communication and support from oncology-trained professionals can reduce children’s fears. For the Kurtz family, those conversations marked the start of practical changes and new roles.
Because Jonathan’s treatment left him immunocompromised during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family limited outside exposure. High-energy outings were replaced with quieter activities they could do at home. Dylan and his dad began assembling 1,000-piece puzzles of baseball stadiums; several of those completed puzzles now hang in Dylan’s room and Jonathan’s office.
Dylan also stepped up at home. He took on more cooking and cleaning and became more involved in caring for his older brother, Steven, who has autism. With summer camps canceled in 2020, Dylan created “Camp Kurtz,” a mix of life-skill lessons (tying shoes, vacuuming), backyard play, movies, and long walks with the family dog, Piper. Those routines kept Steven engaged while their parents focused on treatment.
Today Jonathan is cancer-free and continues with regular screenings. The experience taught Dylan about family risk: Jonathan carries a gene mutation that increases colorectal cancer risk for relatives who inherit it. Dylan plans to pursue genetic testing and a colonoscopy; if he inherits the mutation, he may need to begin screening much earlier than the general population—potentially around age 25.
Cedrek McFadden, MD, medical advisor for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, explains that children of a parent with colorectal cancer have higher risk and often should start screening earlier—generally by age 40 or 10 years before the parent’s diagnosis, whichever comes first. He advises considering genetic counseling and testing, particularly when cancer occurs at a younger age or there is a strong family history, to look for inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome.
Wanting to help other teens, Dylan worked with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to create a blog post and video aimed at young people, sharing screening information and support resources. He hopes to raise awareness as colorectal cancer has become a leading cause of cancer-related death among U.S. adults under 50.
Dylan’s practical advice for teens with a parent facing colon cancer:
– Use trusted sources for information. General internet searches can surface worst-case stories that aren’t typical for every family.
– Expect changing responsibilities and be willing to help, but communicate when you’re overwhelmed.
– Find low-energy ways to spend time together—puzzles, podcasts, or shows can still create meaningful connection.
– Ask for support. Tell teachers, coaches, or a school counselor what’s happening so they can help. Talk with friends and family, and consider professional mental-health support if needed.
Tom Milam, MD, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Iris Telehealth, notes that children respond differently—some ask many questions, others withdraw—but grief, fear, and sadness are often present under the surface. He recommends that parents and oncology teams consider behavioral health support or family counseling to reduce the risk that the emotional impact becomes prolonged trauma.
The Kurtz family’s experience shows how open communication, daily adjustments, and shared responsibilities can help a family cope during cancer treatment—and how a teenager’s leadership and advocacy can turn a difficult time into an opportunity to protect family health and support others facing similar challenges.