A young woman from New Jersey, Kelly Spill, faced a harrowing experience when she was misdiagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 28. Despite experiencing symptoms such as constipation and blood in her stool, doctors attributed her condition to pregnancy and dismissed her concerns. It wasn’t until eight months after giving birth that she finally received a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, delaying the colonoscopy allowed the cancer to progress to stage 3.
Kelly Spill’s struggle to be heard by medical professionals is a common story among young Americans suffering from colorectal cancer. In fact, recent data from JAMA Surgery indicates a significant increase in colon cancer and rectal cancer rates among individuals aged 20-34. These trends have led experts to predict a rise of 90 percent in colon cancer and 124 percent in rectal cancer within this age group.
Colorectal cancer is becoming a prevalent issue globally, particularly among young people. By 2030, the American Cancer Society estimates that rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50 will have doubled, with it even becoming the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among this age group. This worrying trend has sparked research into the causes of this epidemic.
Traditionally, unhealthy diets, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyles have been blamed for the rise in colorectal cancer cases. However, recent studies have yielded conflicting results. While some suggest a correlation between red meat and sugar consumption with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, other studies have found that early-onset cancer patients are less likely to be obese or smokers compared to older patients. Additionally, factors such as mode of birth (C-section vs. vaginal birth), antibiotic use, and the presence of certain fungi in tumors have also been explored as potential contributors to the development of colorectal cancer.
For Kelly Spill, her diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer meant making difficult decisions about her future. Before undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she preserved her eggs to have the option of having another child later. Unfortunately, her plans for marriage in Switzerland were derailed by her diagnosis. However, she and her partner eventually exchanged vows in Washington state.
During her treatment, Kelly Spill had the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial for an immunotherapy drug. This experimental treatment proved to be a game-changer for her. After just a few infusions, her tumor significantly shrank, eventually disappearing completely. The success of this trial offers hope for other young patients facing colorectal cancer.
One of the challenges in diagnosing colorectal cancer is that its symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions. Abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia are among the most commonly reported symptoms. A survey conducted by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance revealed that a significant number of patients with colorectal cancer experienced initial misdiagnoses or were dismissed by doctors. Delayed diagnosis can lead to the advancement of the disease to later stages, making treatment more challenging.
Despite her struggles, Kelly Spill has gone on to marry her partner and has even welcomed a second child, a daughter named Maya Grace. She now advocates for others to trust their instincts and speak up if they suspect something is wrong with their bodies. Being proactive and assertive can make all the difference when it comes to early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.
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