Young Adults and the Rising Rate of Colorectal Cancer: A Devastating Mystery
A deadly cancer that often goes unnoticed for years is rapidly affecting young people and disrupting families. Despite a decline in overall cancer cases, experts are perplexed by the alarming increase in colorectal cancer among younger adults who were previously considered low-risk for the disease.
Daniel Lucas, a talented makeup artist from California, first experienced blood in his stool in 2017 at the age of 27. Unfortunately, he was misdiagnosed for two years and endured treatments for colitis, Crohn’s disease, and appendicitis. By the time doctors discovered the tumor, it had already reached stage three, spreading outside his colon. Tragically, Daniel passed away at the age of 35 in 2022.
Jordan Ireland-Knight, a resident of Pennsylvania, was also robbed of witnessing his son’s growth after being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at just 29 years old. He lost his battle with cancer at the age of 31, leaving behind a devastated wife and son.
In the 1990s, only 11 percent of colorectal cancer cases occurred in individuals under 55 years old. However, this figure has more than doubled, with this age group now accounting for one-fifth of all new diagnoses in 2021. Medical professionals are uncertain about the cause of this unprecedented rise, speculating that factors such as modern diets, antibiotics, or fungal infections may play a role.
Diagnosing colon cancer in young individuals is challenging due to the lack of suspicion for cancer among this age group. Consequently, misdiagnoses occur frequently, prolonging the time until proper treatment is initiated.
For Daniel, the misdiagnosis continued even after his appendectomy. Doctors suspected he had Crohn’s disease but never considered the possibility of colon cancer due to his young age. It wasn’t until he was 27 years old that he received a proper diagnosis of stage three colon cancer.
The statistics are alarming, with data from JAMA Surgery projecting a 90 percent increase in colon cancer cases among individuals aged 20 to 34 by the year 2030. Detecting the cancer at a later stage significantly decreases the five-year survival rate.
Daniel underwent various rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, experiencing short-lived periods of remission. However, the cancer eventually returned, leaving him in a state where he could no longer consume solid food due to intestinal blockage. Despite efforts to combat the disease, Daniel’s health deteriorated rapidly. His tragic journey came to an end in November 2022.
Jordan’s story followed a similar path. After experiencing weight loss and blood in his stool, he advocated for himself and received a colonoscopy. At the age of 29, he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. Through numerous treatments, surgeries, and clinical trials, Jordan fought bravely. However, the cancer had spread to his liver, and medical professionals informed him that there were no further options. He passed away at the age of 31, leaving behind cherished family members.
The devastating impact of colorectal cancer among young adults has led to a growing movement for increased awareness and early screenings. Both Daniel’s aunt, Tami Pangelina, and Jordan’s mother, Lynne Ireland-Knight, have become ambassadors for Fight Colorectal Cancer, advocating for early screenings and providing support for those affected by the disease.
Colorectal cancer typically originates from polyps in the colon or rectum. In its early stages, it often exhibits no symptoms or only minor ones. This is why medical professionals recommend regular screenings for individuals aged 45 and older. However, it is also possible to request early screenings after consulting with a doctor.
Recognizing the warning signs, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in feces, unexplained weight loss, and sudden fatigue or weakness, can expedite early detection. If caught in the early stages, before spreading to other areas, the chances of survival are significantly higher.
However, when the cancer is detected at stage three, the five-year survival rate drops to 71 percent. At the advanced stage four, only 14 percent of patients survive for another five years.
Despite the unanswered questions surrounding the rise of colon cancer in young adults, families like Daniel’s and Jordan’s continue to share their stories, shedding light on the urgency of early detection and raising hope for future generations.
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