Kate Middleton and Olivia Munn's cancer diagnoses spotlight a troubling trend: an increase in cancer in young adults under 50.
Colon cancer in this population is steadily on the rise. Here's a look at the obstacles young patients have to overcome.Whether it was chemotherapy or radiation, Melisa Valenzuela of Los Angeles felt alone.Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021, she had no family history nor risk factors. It's why Valenzuela downplayed symptoms of severe constipation and cramps.
"They're busy with their lives. They have school, they have work, they have family and all of those things. So they put off the symptoms," said City of Hope medical oncologist Dr. Afsaneh Barzi. She said ignoring signs is the first obstacle young patients face. But, once young patients do seek care, cancer is usually the last thing a primary care or emergency physician suspects.
Valenzuela's cancer had spread to other organs. Barzi said what saved her was advocating for herself, seeking second opinions and finding a hospital that specializes in the care she needed. But why? Could it be plastic chemicals? Over processed foods? Antibacterial products changing our gut microbiome? All are theories being studied.
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