Marisa Peters, a vibrant and active woman in her 30s, never imagined she would be facing a colorectal cancer diagnosis. After years of dealing with symptoms such as rectal bleeding and changes in stool consistency, Ms. Peters was finally diagnosed in 2021 following an urgent colonoscopy.
Initially dismissed by doctors as hemorrhoids or postpartum changes, Ms. Peters’ case is unfortunately not unique. A recent report from the American Cancer Society has revealed a concerning trend – rates of colorectal cancer are on the rise among younger age groups, including those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. This is in stark contrast to the decline in colorectal cancer rates in individuals over 65.
Dr. Michael Cecchini, a medical oncologist at Yale Cancer Center, has noted that early-onset colorectal cancers have been increasing by approximately 2 percent per year since the mid-1990s. Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50 in the United States.
This alarming trend underscores the importance of awareness and early detection in younger populations. Early detection and treatment can greatly impact outcomes for colorectal cancer patients. As such, healthcare professionals are urging individuals, regardless of age, to pay attention to any concerning symptoms and seek medical advice promptly.
Marisa Peters’ story serves as a reminder that colorectal cancer does not discriminate based on age. By raising awareness and promoting proactive healthcare, we can work towards reducing the burden of this disease in all age groups.
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