TRAGIC LOSS. With heavy hearts, we announce the passing.
Tanya Spencer, a former news anchor for WRTV, an ABC affiliate, has died at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer. Spencer, who also went by Tanya Sumner, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of colon cancer that spread rapidly. She passed away at her home on May 24.
Spencer had a distinguished career in journalism, spending two decades as a TV reporter, with ten years at WRTV. In her last Facebook post, she reflected on the value of time and good health, emphasizing their importance as the true wealth in life. Known and respected in Indianapolis, she valued her privacy despite her public presence. Spencer is survived by her husband and teenage son.
Her health struggles began in earnest with a difficult surgery on November 17, 2022, when she was diagnosed with colon cancer due to a rare Kras G12c mutation. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments, the cancer continued to spread, making her battle even more challenging.
During her fight, Spencer became a passionate health advocate, urging people to get colonoscopies. She shared her experience to highlight the importance of early screening, especially after new guidelines in 2021 lowered the recommended starting age for colonoscopies from 50 to 45. Spencer stressed that while colonoscopies might be uncomfortable, they are essential for early detection and could save lives.
