In a shocking turn of events, Marisa Peters, a seemingly healthy woman in her 30s, was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer after years of experiencing troubling symptoms. Despite her active lifestyle and no family history of the disease, Peters began noticing signs such as bleeding from her rectum, changes in stool consistency, and issues with controlling bowel movements.
Initially dismissed by doctors as hemorrhoids or normal postpartum changes, Peters pushed for further testing, leading to a colonoscopy in 2021 that confirmed her worst fears. This story highlights the importance of advocating for your health and not ignoring persistent symptoms, no matter your age or risk factors.
Sadly, Peters is not alone in her experience. The American Cancer Society has reported a rapid increase in colorectal cancer rates among young adults, with those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s seeing a rise in diagnoses while rates decline in those over 65. Dr. Michael Cecchini of Yale Cancer Center warns that early-onset colorectal cancers have been steadily increasing by about 2 percent per year since the mid-1990s.
Additionally, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 50 in the United States. These staggering statistics underscore the urgency of raising awareness about the risks of colorectal cancer, even among young and seemingly healthy individuals.
As Peters begins her fight against this devastating disease, her story serves as a reminder to prioritize regular screenings, listen to your body, and seek medical attention if something doesn’t seem right. The Liberty Conservative stands with Marisa Peters and others affected by colorectal cancer, advocating for early detection and improved outcomes for all individuals facing this challenging diagnosis.
