NBC 7 San Diego Anchor Monica Dean Shares Surprise Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Road to Recovery
March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and you found yourself part of the story. Tell us about when you received the diagnosis that you had colorectal cancer.
As a TV news anchor and reporter for more than two decades, I’ve reported on the importance of early cancer screening—never imagining I’d become the story. But in November 2024, at 46 years old, my first “routine” colonoscopy revealed 13 polyps and a 2 cm mass that appeared malignant. Six long days later, pathology confirmed it: I had colorectal cancer. I got the call just minutes before I was supposed to anchor the 4PM NBC 7 San Diego newscast. Even though I had mentally prepared myself for the possibility, hearing the words was surreal. I sat in a newsroom conference room, spoke to my husband over the phone with the doctor on the line, and then walked into the studio and delivered the news at 4PM. Because when your world feels like it’s spinning, doing something familiar with people you care out feels oddly comforting.
Did you have any symptoms?
I didn’t have any notable symptoms. None. I had no pain, no fatigue, no bleeding—nothing to raise any red flags. I’m a working mom of three, I exercise regularly, eat well, and had no immediate family history of colorectal cancer. My bloodwork and genetic screening were all normal. All of it made the diagnosis even more shocking. That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about encouraging screenings—because this cancer can be silent and still incredibly dangerous.
When you heard “colorectal cancer,” you were fluctuating daily between painful and promising. Take us through the emotions.
The fear and anxiety that come with a cancer diagnosis are real—especially early on, when we didn’t have all the information and there were still so many questions. I would think, “What if it’s everywhere? What if I don’t have much time left?” One moment I felt strong and full of faith; the next, I was spiraling into worst-case scenarios. But even in that darkness, I held on to prayer, to my faith, and to the hope that it had been caught early. The emotional whiplash was real, but so was my resolve to walk by faith and not by sight—trusting that God was with me and that His plan was better, even if I couldn’t see it or understand it.
There was someone you had met that had a profound impact on you.
Years ago, I met a man who was dying of colon cancer. He and his wife had cared for our family dog when we went out of town. As I was picking up our dog, I asked Allan about his health. He looked me in the eye as we stood on his front porch and told me about his terminal cancer. He said that if he had gotten screened when doctors had recommended, he would have been on a path to healing—instead, he was living his final days. He urged me to get checked when it was my time. That brief but unforgettable conversation resonated in my soul. I never forgot it. In many ways, his story helped save my life.
Allan has since passed away, but I’ve been in touch with his widow to let her know how grateful I am for the lifesaving advice Allan shared with me. I hope that by sharing my story, I’m able to pay it forward—and that others’ lives might be saved.
Where did you gain your strength from?
My faith. In the colonoscopy recovery room when I first heard the doctor say the words “malignant appearing mass,” I said aloud, “It’s going to be okay. I believe in a big God.” That belief has grounded me every step of the way. And through this trial I have encountered the presence of God in ways more powerful and personal than I could have ever imagined. He meets us in our mess, whatever that looks like, and turns our brokenness into something beautiful. I also drew strength from my family, my husband, my kids, my incredible medical team at UCSD Health, along with a village of friends and even strangers who lifted me up with their love and prayers.
The 21-year veteran of NBC 7 San Diego got a shocking diagnosis of colorectal cancer and shares her journey from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, highlighting the importance of early detection.
What’s the best antidote for fear and anxiety?
Gratitude. That might sound simple, but in the face of fear, being grateful for what is, rather than worrying about what might be, helped me find peace and comfort. Thanksgiving was the day after pathology confirmed my colorectal cancer diagnosis. I was surrounded by nearly two dozen family members. We celebrated the holiday at my home, and it was filled with love and laughter. The day was repeatedly interrupted by the terror of uncertainties, but fear is a thief and a liar—it wants you to believe the worst, robs you of peace, and holds you captive. I had to make a conscious choice to renew my mind—choosing gratitude and joy in the face of fear—and doing so shifted my perspective to one of hope and possibility.
You really wanted to be an example for your kids and share your story. What’s your message?
We can’t control what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. As parents, we don’t know what our kids may face, and I wanted to model something they could follow when confronted with a setback, diagnosis, or trial of any kind. I wanted them to know that authenticity, courage, and faith can carry us through even the scariest chapters. God has a track record of doing great things in scary places—and I am trusting Him in mine. My message to my children—and to anyone reading—is this: get screened. Early detection saved my life, and it could save yours. And whatever you’re going through, I want people to know there is hope.
How has your life changed?
A cancer diagnosis shuffles the priorities in your life like a deck of cards—bringing the most important things to the top of the pile. I don’t take the simple things for granted. I love louder, and I have a deeper appreciation for life and for the personal God who walked with me through the valley. There are few classrooms in life more powerful than the valley. I am thankful for what I’m learning through this one. I have greater empathy for others facing a cancer diagnosis or living with an ostomy. I’m grateful for the glimpses of good that have come from these hard circumstances, and I believe I will see more in the months and years to come. I am stronger, braver, bolder, and more grateful than ever.
Throughout my career of storytelling I’ve often told others that their story matters because we all have something to learn from each other’s stories. Now it was my turn to share. I started an Instagram profile, @mystory_yourglory, which is as much about my spiritual journey as it is about my cancer journey. Just before New Year’s Eve I recorded a video that I shared across my more public social media platforms letting everyone know what was happening. I wanted others to get screened, I wanted others to find hope and as a big believer in the power of prayer, I wanted as many prayers as possible.
NBC 7 San Diego YouTube Special:
Instagram: @MonicaNBCSD and @Mystory_Yourglory
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.dean
X: @MonicaNBCSD
What an incredible story of mercy & grace from the Lord and of gratitude & hope and willingness to share from Monica!!! May God continue to bless you and may you continue to be that light high on the hill for others!!🥰❤️