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- 2 women diagnosed with colon cancer in their 30s share their symptoms that were missed (businessinsider.com)
Misdiagnosed and Determined: Two Women Fight Back Against Rising Colon Cancer Rates in Young Adults
Colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, a trend that has medical professionals concerned. Alarmingly, one study revealed that 82% of young colon cancer patients were initially misdiagnosed.
Two women, Sarah Beran and Brooks Bell, both experienced this firsthand, battling the disease in their 30s after their symptoms were dismissed. Now, they’re on a mission to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Sarah Beran, a Los Angeles stylist, attributed her fatigue and bloody stools to hemorrhoids and the demands of motherhood. Her experience reflects a common issue: many colon cancer symptoms, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and blood in the stool, mimic other digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
This makes diagnosis challenging, especially in younger, seemingly healthy individuals. Beran’s initial stool test and doctor’s visit yielded no alarming results, with her doctor attributing her issues to a possible parasite.
It wasn’t until the bleeding worsened that Beran pushed for a colonoscopy, which revealed stage 3 colon cancer.
Brooks Bell, a former CEO, had a similar experience. At 38, she discovered blood in her stool and was told it was likely hemorrhoids.
Even after a follow-up examination, her doctor maintained the same diagnosis. Trusting her gut, Bell sought a second opinion from a gastroenterologist.
A colonoscopy confirmed her fears: she had stage 3 colon cancer.
Both women underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery. Beran’s cancer spread to her lungs, requiring additional surgery and radiation.
While both women are currently cancer-free, the experience has left a lasting impact. They emphasize the importance of advocating for one’s health and trusting instincts, even when medical professionals downplay concerns.
Their shared experience led them to create Worldclass, a clothing line designed to destigmatize colonoscopies. Through slogans like “colonoscopy enthusiast” and trendy apparel, they hope to rebrand the procedure as a form of self-care and encourage early screening.
This push for awareness is crucial. While overall colon cancer rates are declining, cases among younger adults are rising.
Experts suggest several possible factors, including changes in the gut microbiome, antibiotic use, and environmental exposures. Current guidelines recommend a first colonoscopy at age 45, but individuals experiencing multiple symptoms should consider earlier screening, regardless of age.
Early detection, as highlighted by Beran and Bell’s stories, can be life-saving.
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- 2 women diagnosed with colon cancer in their 30s share their symptoms that were missed (businessinsider.com)