Podcast Summary:
Wellness Unmasked: Hope Through Cancer — Elizabeth Price’s Inspiring Story & the Book Helping Families Cope
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show (iHeartPodcasts)
March 10, 2026
Host: Dr. Nicole Saphier
Episode Overview
This emotionally powerful episode of "Wellness Unmasked" centers on the increasing prevalence of colon cancer in younger adults and the remarkable story of Elizabeth Price, a mother, illustrator, and chiropractor living with stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. Through heartfelt conversation, host Dr. Nicole Saphire and Elizabeth tackle topics including the emotional and practical realities of a late-stage cancer diagnosis, the importance of early detection and self-advocacy, and Elizabeth’s journey to create a children’s book designed to help families navigate parental illness. The episode also provides practical advice for risk reduction and is punctuated by moments of inspiration, vulnerability, and hope.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Rising Colon Cancer Rates in Younger Adults
[00:32–03:09]
- Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal) is increasingly diagnosed in adults ages 20-49, with rates rising by about 3% per year.
- Improvements for older adults stem from increased colonoscopy screenings, removing precancerous polyps.
- People born around 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.
- Key takeaway: younger adults shouldn’t ignore symptoms like rectal bleeding, anemia, persistent bowel changes, or unexplained weight loss.
Elizabeth Price’s Diagnosis & Journey
[03:11–05:53]
- Elizabeth, a chiropractor and mother with no family history, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at age 50 (in 2017). The cancer had already spread to her lungs.
- Initial prognosis: 2–5 years survival.
- “On paper I may not look great, but mentally and on my everyday and to my family and friends, I’m no different.” — Elizabeth Price [04:10]
- Her treatments have included 144 rounds of chemotherapy, 12 major surgeries, 10 rounds of radiation, and she is awaiting a liver resection.
- Acceptance: “I've almost accepted that this is my journey. I have to grieve my old life and I just have to go on living this life.” [04:41]
- Emphasis on strong support from family, faith, and friends.
The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis & Living With Cancer
[05:53–07:35]
- Elizabeth’s children were 5 and 10 at diagnosis.
- The terror and panic of searching for information online and not hearing “remission” over eight years weighs heavily.
- “Only God determines when you’re terminal.” — Advice Elizabeth received early on [06:49]
- She leans on faith, friends, and positive stories from others who have defied the odds.
The Evolution of Treatment & Medical Support
[08:09–09:25]
- Chemotherapy gets increasingly difficult: “It gets harder as you do it. So every time, it’s a little bit harder.” — Elizabeth [08:22]
- Acknowledgment of the emotional toll and the importance of doctors/nurses’ honesty and realism.
The Importance of Community
[09:45–11:22]
- Support from her children’s school community, especially a dedicated prayer/rosary group of mothers, has been sustained for over 8 years.
- These relationships have provided practical, emotional, and spiritual support, including during critical family milestones and hospitalizations.
- “We're like a pack that I don't think we'll ever be separated. And I think that's so important... it’s been an unbelievable gift.” [10:21]
Creating the Book: "Mom, I Know What You Have"
[11:22–14:16]
- The book was inspired by the challenge of discussing cancer with young children.
- Initially, the word "cancer" was avoided in their home to shield her kids from distressing media portrayals.
- Pivotal moment: Elizabeth’s son, after seeing “Cancer Center” at the hospital, stood in the hallway and said, “Mom, I know what you have.” — causing Elizabeth heartbreak but also motivation.
- The book aims to help other families normalize cancer as an experience and maintain joy and hope amid adversity.
- Coping through milestones: Elizabeth finds meaning in being present for her children's graduations, proms, and looks forward to future events — continually striving to provide her kids with normalcy and love.
Family Life and Coping
[17:48–18:47]
- The family refused to let illness isolate Elizabeth; her children created tents in her bedroom, keeping her included in daily life.
- “We didn’t put me in a room and shut the door.” — Elizabeth [17:54]
- Book illustrations were created during treatments and were supported and brought to publication by her prayer group.
- All proceeds and donated copies help families in cancer centers.
Current Health & Advocacy
[20:39–21:51]
- Elizabeth has extensive cancer spread (24 masses in her lungs, major activity in her liver); upcoming surgery is hopeful.
- She continues to seek holistic healing, works with an oncologist, and is motivated to “make it to the next treatment advancement.”
Screening Recommendations and Self-Advocacy
[21:51–24:33]
- American Cancer Society moved recommended screening age from 50 to 45.
- Early detection could have altered Elizabeth’s outcome; she urges listeners to be proactive, especially if symptomatic, regardless of age.
- “Go get your colonoscopy, and if you think there’s a problem and you’re not 45, go there and demand it anyway.” [22:41]
Recognizing and Not Dismissing Symptoms
[23:52–25:46]
- Elizabeth reflects on missed warning signs being attributed to postpartum issues rather than properly investigated.
- She urges people, especially women, not to let symptoms like rectal bleeding or bowel difficulty be dismissed as “hemorrhoids” or a “prolapsed rectum” without proper examination.
Advice for Others on the Journey
[27:36–29:22]
- On bad days, Elizabeth finds inspiration through podcasts and stories of others in similar situations.
- Acceptance of her reality and open communication with her children brings her peace.
- “Once I got to the point of acceptance...and have faith in that, it makes life a little bit easier.” [28:35]
- Advice: include children in the process so their fears don’t overwhelm them.
Diet, Prevention and Final Thoughts
[29:43–34:28]
- Colon cancer in younger adults is on the rise due to factors like poor diet, gut flora disruption, excessive antibiotic use, environmental factors, and processed foods.
- Practical prevention: Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, limit processed foods, increase fiber, take probiotics, avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
- New screening guidelines: Colonoscopy at 45 (earlier with family history or symptoms).
- Quote from Dr. Saphire: “Awareness can literally change outcomes, and it can save your life.” [29:43]
- Empowering listeners to advocate for themselves; not to dismiss symptoms, and to prioritize their health screenings.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Elizabeth Price on Diagnosis:
“I more consider myself living with cancer than fighting it.” [04:10] -
On Facing the Emotional Impact:
“The first thing you do is you...Google stage 4 cancer and you don’t see anything you want to hear. It’s terrifying. And I still have days where I’m terrified.” [06:21] -
On Community Support:
“It’s been an unbelievable gift. They’re a blessing. It’s really been an amazing gift.” [11:15] -
On the Book’s Inspiration:
“Mom, I know what you have.” — Elizabeth’s son [12:24] -
On Early Screening:
“If you have even the slightest hint that something might be wrong, don’t let anyone tell you...there’s nothing wrong with you. Just have it checked.” [22:41] -
On Self-Advocacy:
“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s hemorrhoids until they’ve gone in...to see whether or not it’s hemorrhoids. Most of the time those are due to tumors.” [24:43] -
On Parenting with Illness:
“We didn’t put me in a room and shut the door...if I can put these in a book and help one other family make light of some of the trauma, that it wouldn’t be so traumatizing.” [17:56] -
On Acceptance & Faith:
“Once I got to the point of acceptance...and have faith in that, it makes life a little bit easier.” [28:35]
Important Timestamps
- 00:32 – Introduction to colorectal cancer trends in young adults
- 03:25 – Elizabeth’s cancer diagnosis and initial reaction
- 04:41 – Treatment journey and daily living with cancer
- 06:00 – Processing diagnosis with young children
- 08:09 – Surprises and challenges of chemotherapy
- 09:45 – The role of community and friends
- 11:38 – Why and how the children’s book was created
- 17:54 – Family adaptation and maintaining joy
- 20:39 – Current health update and surgery plans
- 21:51 – Screening recommendations and advocating for earlier screenings
- 23:52 – Recognizing symptoms and self-advocacy
- 27:48 – Day-to-day resilience and advice to others
- 29:43 – Dr. Saphire’s practical prevention advice and final call to action
Additional Resources
- Elizabeth Price’s Book:
Mom, I Know What You Have: Parenting With Joy Through a Journey With Cancer — Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.- Donations and distributions support families at cancer centers.
Takeaway for Listeners
This episode is a poignant reminder to listen to our bodies, advocate for thorough investigation of symptoms, and not to delay potentially lifesaving screenings. Elizabeth Price’s journey exemplifies courage, community, and the power of sharing one’s story to help others persevere through profound challenges. The episode concludes with practical advice for risk reduction, a strong endorsement of the importance of early detection, and a heartfelt appeal to parents and caregivers navigating cancer to find hope, acceptance, and joy in each day.