Marisa Peters, a vibrant woman in her 30s, was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer after years of experiencing symptoms. Despite her clear signs of blood in her stool, changes in stool consistency, and difficulty controlling bowel movements, doctors initially dismissed her concerns as hemorrhoids or postpartum changes.
It wasn’t until 2021 when Marisa visited a gastroenterologist that an urgent colonoscopy confirmed her worst fears. Shockingly, it had been four to five years since her symptoms first appeared. This delay in diagnosis is a growing concern as the rates of colorectal cancer are rapidly increasing among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, while declining in those over 65, according to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Michael Cecchini, a medical oncologist at Yale Cancer Center, noted that early-onset colorectal cancer has been on the rise by about 2 percent per year since the mid-1990s. Alarmingly, colorectal cancer is now the top cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50 in the United States.
It is crucial for both individuals and healthcare professionals to be aware of the changing trends in colorectal cancer and to take symptoms seriously, regardless of age. Early detection and treatment are key in fighting this deadly disease. Marisa’s story serves as a somber reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health and seeking prompt medical attention when symptoms arise.
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