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'Young And Healthy' Millennials On Shock Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
"Cancer doesn't discriminate—young, old, black, white, any shape, size, occupation," said Anisha Patel, a bowel cancer survivor who was diagnosed at just 39. And she is far from alone.
While cancer mortality in the U.S. Has declined over the past 30 years, saving around 4 million lives due to smoking reduction, early detection, and treatment advances, colorectal cancer is rising among those under 55. It is now the top cancer killer in men and second in women under 50, potentially due to lifestyle changes beginning with those born around 1950, according to the American Cancer Society.
Newsweek spoke to doctors about the warning signs, which include change in bowel habits, fatigue, and blood in stool; all of which Patel experienced. However, she ignored the symptoms for 12 months before seeing a doctor, despite working as one.
However, not all patients suffer from symptoms, like Eric Eastman, 41, who told Newsweek about how his life changed within the blink of an eye after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer several years ago.
From left: A selfie of Anisha Patel while at work as a doctor; and Eric Eastman smiles in Paris. Both have shared their story with Newsweek in a bid to raise awareness of colorectal cancer.... From left: A selfie of Anisha Patel while at work as a doctor; and Eric Eastman smiles in Paris. Both have shared their story with Newsweek in a bid to raise awareness of colorectal cancer. More Provided 'Doctor's Get Cancer Too'"Being a GP [doctor], one could say I should have known better," said Patel, who initially misdiagnosed herself with new-onset IBS symptoms.
These included occasional constipation requiring laxatives, some urgency to use the bathroom, and sometimes noticing fresh blood on the toilet paper. However, since giving birth six years prior, she thought a little blood on the toilet paper from a hemorrhoid and was not unusual.
Patel, a mother-of-two, told Newsweek: "Often people think that doctors don't get ill, hence the bane of my social media @doctorsgetcancertoo."
From left: Patel smiles; and laying in the hospital, recovering from surgery. The doctor told Newsweek that she should have acted on the symptoms earlier. From left: Patel smiles; and laying in the hospital, recovering from surgery. The doctor told Newsweek that she should have acted on the symptoms earlier. Anisha PatelWith no family history of cancer, Patel, from England, didn't even think about the C-word but, as the symptoms persisted and worsened, with blood appearing in the toilet by July, she reached out to her general practitioner. She also struggled with fatigue and sciatica symptoms.
On September 21, Patel had a colonoscopy and was diagnosed with Stage 3C cancer. She recalls her world "crumbling" as she saw the mass on the screen. The next month, she underwent surgery to remove it, followed by three months of chemotherapy.
"I have been cancer-free since March 2019, and I stopped having surveillance and regular scans in October 2023," she told Newsweek. Patel has continued to raise awareness and wrote a book title: Everything You Hoped You'd Never Need to Know About Bowel Cancer: A Doctor's Very Personal Guide to Getting Through the Sh** and Beyond.*
No Symptoms, No WarningEric Eastman was 34 when he was diagnosed with colon cancer, after experiencing no symptoms until one day in October 2017 when he had a severe urge to go to the bathroom and noticed "bright red blood."
"Thankfully, my symptom was so obvious that I got checked out right away," he told Newsweek, adding that his grandfather also had colon cancer.
Initially, doctors believed the now-41-year-old district attorney had Stage I cancer, and a CT scan revealed two small nodules in his liver and lung, which were not considered a concern. After surgery to remove the original tumor, no further treatment was given.
However, a follow-up scan six months later showed the nodules had grown, and Eastman was found to have a total of five liver tumors, two lung tumors, and two pelvic tumors, advancing the diagnosis to Stage IV.
From left: Eastman and his wife smile on the day before his first symptom appeared on July 4, 2017; and he beams after his last surgery in June 2022. He told Newsweek the cancer appeared... From left: Eastman and his wife smile on the day before his first symptom appeared on July 4, 2017; and he beams after his last surgery in June 2022. He told Newsweek the cancer appeared quickly. More Eric EastmanEastman, a father-of-one from California, told Newsweek: "Life has certainly been different since my diagnosis. In total, I've had eight surgeries, roughly 48 months of chemo spread over seven-plus years, two Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) treatments, and one round of traditional radiation treatment."
Eastman said that, when he was diagnosed, he ate a healthy diet and exercised, something he still does.
"Many people point to obesity and other health issues in modern society, and I'm sure that plays a part. However, there are stories of professional athletes and actors, like Chadwick Boseman and James Van Der Beek, getting colon cancer.
"I point this out because people may think, 'I'm healthy, so I don't need to worry about this.' Not to be alarmist, but you do," Eastman said. "The odds are great that you'll never experience what I have, but if you're ignoring symptoms and not going to your doctor for a proper diagnosis simply because you're young and healthy, you're risking your life."
The Signs Of Colorectal CancerNewsweek discussed the warning signs with Dr. Wasif Saif, the coleader of the Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Oncology Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan.
Saif said: "Many people with colorectal cancer don't manifest symptoms at first, or symptoms may vary widely, depending upon the location and size of the tumor. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is very important."
The symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
The American Cancer Society's estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2024 are about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and around 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer.
Saif said: "Experts don't know the exact causes for the rise of colorectal cancer in younger patients."
He added that the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Newsweek also spoke to Professor Tim Spector, MD, scientific cofounder at ZOE, a health science company that provides personalized advice on what people should eat, to improve their health outcomes.
Spector said: "One of the biggest culprits we believe to be driving this issue is the explosion of ultra-processed foods in our diets that have replaced fiber rich whole plant foods. It's staggering how pervasive these foods have become, especially in places like the United States.
"In fact, research shows that around 60-70 percent of the average American's diet now comes from ultra-processed foods, which include sugary snacks, sodas, packaged meals, and processed meats," Spector said. "These foods are often loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives that can disrupt the gut microbiome and promote inflammation. Worse, ultra-processed foods often replace nutrient-dense, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, further compounding the problem.
"The World Health Organization (World Health Organization) has classified processed meats—such as sausages, bacon, and hot dogs—as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning there is sufficient evidence to link them directly to colorectal cancer," Spector added.
"We cannot ignore the sheer scale of the issue: the growing reliance on ultra-processed foods is creating a perfect storm for chronic diseases, including colorectal cancer."
Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?While no cancer is preventable, people can make healthier lifestyle choices that may help prevent it. Saif has shared four actions people can take:
Saif added: "It is important to identify patients with higher risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, the presence of inflammatory bowel disease, and genetic syndromes."
Spector added: "When it comes to protecting against colorectal cancer, it's not just about avoiding the bad stuff—it's also about doubling down on what actively helps your body thrive. The evidence is clear: increasing the consumption of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats is key."
Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@newsweek.Com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Man, 29, Diagnosed With Stage 4 Colon Cancer Reveals The Six Symptoms He Wishes He Didn't Ignore
A new dad who was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at 29 years old has shared six symptoms he wished he'd paid more attention to when he had the chance.
TikTok user Joe Faratzis now works as an advocate for young people who are navigating cancer, after going through the experience himself under the age of 30.
He has now thankfully reached a point where there is no evidence of disease present, however, he continues to share insights, updates and information for people to raise awareness.
In one post on TikTok, Joe reflects on a number of symptoms he experienced before his diagnosis and encourages people not to avoid booking an appointment with the doctor if they experience any themselves.
"Early screening could save you and your family from having to go through a cancer diagnosis," he says.
Joe Faratzis recalled constant sweating as one of his symptoms (TikTok/@radiant14percent) Constant sweatingJoe described experiencing 'constant sweating and night sweats' prior to his diagnosis; symptoms which the National Cancer Institute says are 'common in cancer patients and survivors'.
Hot flashes and night sweats can be caused due to cancer treatment, however, Healthline notes they can also be an early symptom of some cancers.
If sweating is due to cancer, it will likely come along with other symptoms such as a fever or weight loss.
Abdominal pain and crampingDifferent to a regular stomach ache, Joe recalled feeling pain in his lower-right abdomen, as well as cramping in his abdomen, mostly when he was bent over.
According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, most colon cancer patients who go to their clinic describe a similar pain; an 'intermittent crampy feeling in their abdomen'.
However, some patients do not experience any pain at all.
Joe recalled going to the bathroom more often prior to his diagnosis (TikTok/@radiant14percent) Change in bowel habits and constipationJoe recalled realizing that he was going to the bathroom more often prior to his cancer diagnosis, which is a common symptom of colon cancer.
He also described experiencing constipation and cramps, which the American Cancer Institute notes as some of the changes that can take place due to colon cancer.
Patients may also experience diarrhoea or narrowing of the stool which lasts for more than a few days, as well as the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom, but not feeling relieved when you go.
Blood in the pooJoe remembered seeing blood in his poo when he went to the bathroom; another symptom listed by the American Cancer Institute.
Because colorectal cancers can often bleed into the digestive tract, it can make the stool look dark brown or black. Patients may also experience rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
Joe didn't immediately seek a doctor's advice when he experienced these symptoms, instead putting them off for 'months'.
When he finally did get a colonoscopy, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
The tumor was originally believed to be localized, but it was later found to have spread to his liver and both lungs.
Over the next few years, Joe went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation before he was declared to have no evidence of cancer.
'It Was Almost Like A Food Allergy': Woman Ignores Her Stomach Ache. Then She Learns What It Really Is
A woman's TikTok video about colon cancer symptoms has struck a chord with viewers, prompting many to share their own experiences and advice in the comments.
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TikToker Cherl (@just.Cherl), diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at the age of 44, opened up about five key symptoms she says she ignored for years.
Reflecting on her journey, Cherl hopes sharing her story will help others recognize these warning signs early and seek medical advice before it's too late.
Her video has garnered 2.3 million views at the time of writing.
What are the 5 symptoms the TikToker ignored?Cherl begins by detailing her severe stomachaches, a symptom she describes as persistent and debilitating.
"Every time I ate something, I would get sick," she explains. "My stomach would just hurt… fried food, coffee, teas, meat… whatever you can possibly think of, my stomach would hurt."
The pain was so intense that it disrupted her daily life.
"I became an introvert," she states. "I couldn't go out or hang out because who knows when I'd have to excuse myself and go to the bathroom over and over."
The second symptom she ignored was a dramatic change in her bowel habits.
"I went for days without having a bowel movement," Cherl says, noting that she thought it was due to her low food intake or the iron supplements she was taking.
"This was in the early stages when, if I had gone to the doctor, they would have seen polyps or tumors," she explains.
Cherl mentions how easy it is to dismiss these symptoms.
"We think stomachaches are normal," she says. "But if you have a stomachache two out of three meals or you're constantly using Pepto Bismol or anti-diarrhea medication, there's something wrong."
Fatigue was another red flag Cherl wishes she hadn't ignored"I was always tired and cold," she shares. "I could sleep eight hours and still be exhausted. I'd even have to pull over while driving to take a nap."
Cherl also mentions her ongoing struggle with low iron levels, which began in her 20s. She recalls an incident when the Red Cross refused her blood donation due to low iron, a warning sign she didn't follow up on at the time.
Another overlooked symptom was her reaction to exercise. "My heart would beat like it was going to jump out of my chest," Cherl explains. "I'd get dizzy when I stood up, and sometimes I had to hold onto something to avoid fainting."
The final and most telling symptom was blood in her stool. Initially, Cherl thought the red blood she saw was due to hemorrhoids, a common occurrence during her younger years. But as time went on, the blood turned dark and tar-like.
"When the cancer progressed, the stool became pencil-shaped," she says, explaining how tumors in the colon can obstruct the passage, altering the stool's shape and color.
Throughout the video, Cherl stresses the importance of reporting issues to a medical professional.
"If you're experiencing any of these symptoms—whether it's stomach pain, constipation, or blood in your stool—go get checked," she urges. "Don't ignore it. I wish I had spoken up sooner."
What do healthcare professionals suggest?According to the Mayo Clinic, if you're experiencing persistent symptoms like changes in bowel habits, blood in your stool, abdominal cramps, or fatigue, it's a good idea to schedule a screening.
Additionally, as the TikToker mentioned, low iron or anemia can also be a sign of colon cancer.
While doctors often can't pinpoint a direct cause for most colon cancers, there are certain risk factors to consider. These include older age, race, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and inflammatory bowel disease. Lifestyle factors, such as a high-fat, low-fiber diet, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and smoking, can also increase risks.
If you're concerned about any of these symptoms or risk factors, reaching out to a healthcare provider for advice or scheduling a screening is always a good step.
In the comments, users shared their stories about colon cancer.
"my sister had polyps and went to have them removed," shared one user. "we never saw her alive again."
"Stage 3 Colon cancer. Diagnosed at 34 yrs. Old," wrote another. "Cantaloupe size tumor did not Metastasize. Cancer-free 19 years."
"I have a colonoscopy tomorrow," said a third. "Nov 21, i am a bit scared, I have all the symptoms you mentioned, thanks for sharing."
The Daily Dot has reached out to Cherl via TikTok comment and DM for more information.
@just.Cherl 5 signs of colon cancer that I ignored #coloncancer #womenshealthcare #cancersucks #survivor #cancerswareness ♬ original sound – just.MeInternet culture is chaotic—but we'll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot's web_crawlr newsletter here. You'll get the best (and worst) of the internet straight into your inbox.
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