A silent and deadly cancer is wreaking havoc on young people and their families. While cancer rates have been declining overall, there has been a troubling surge in cases of colon cancer among younger adults, who were previously considered low-risk. Evan White, a 24-year-old finance graduate from Dallas, learned this the hard way when he was diagnosed with colon cancer after ignoring his fatigue for several months. By the time his tumor was discovered, it had already reached stage three, making it extremely difficult to treat. Evan’s dreams of marriage and moving to California were tragically cut short when he lost his four-year battle with the disease.
For those fortunate enough to catch the cancer before it becomes terminal, their lives are still severely impacted. Marisa Maddox, a 29-year-old paralegal, had her hopes of starting a large family dashed when she was diagnosed with colon cancer and rendered infertile. The diagnosis came just weeks after giving birth to her son Luke, and she later learned that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. The intense effects of radiotherapy left her unable to have more children, crushing her dreams of a big family.
Disturbingly, data from JAMA Surgery indicates that cases of colon cancer are projected to increase by 90% in individuals aged 20 to 34 by 2030. The cause of this alarming rise remains a mystery to doctors. They are exploring potential factors such as modern diets, antibiotic usage, and even fungal infections.
Colorectal cancer typically starts as small polyps in the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can develop into cancerous cells that grow uncontrollably. In the early stages, the cancer often presents with little to no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are crucial for individuals aged 45 and above. In some cases, early screenings may be recommended for younger individuals based on medical advice.
Common signs of the disease include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue or weakness caused by blood loss. If caught early, the survival rate for colorectal cancer is high. However, at later stages, the prognosis becomes much bleaker.
Evan White’s diagnosis came as a shock, as it is not something typically associated with someone so young. In the 1990s, only 11% of colorectal cancer cases occurred in individuals under 55 years old. However, this number has more than doubled, with this age group now accounting for a fifth of all new diagnoses in 2021.
The devastating effects of colon cancer cannot be understated. It robs individuals like Evan White and Marisa Maddox of their dreams and aspirations. It tears families apart and leaves loved ones grappling with grief and loss. The medical community remains determined to unravel the mysteries behind this rise in colon cancer cases among young adults. By raising awareness, promoting early screenings, and supporting research efforts, we can hope to combat this silent killer and bring hope to those affected by it.
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