Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

At 33, This Woman Dismissed Her Painful Defecation As IBS- But It Was Stage 4 Cancer

At only 33 years old, Raquel A. never thought she would be receiving a terminal diagnosis. Like most young adults, she had written off ongoing gastrointestinal problems, blaming them on stress, diet, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Without health insurance during her twenties, she treated her symptoms herself with fiber supplements and changes in diet. When she finally secured medical coverage in 2021, her symptoms had temporarily improved, leading her to delay a doctor’s visit for over a decade.

But when her symptoms recurred in 2022—this time with painful bowel movements, narrow stools, bloating, and rectal bleeding—she went to see a doctor. But rather than getting proper diagnostic workup, her complaints were dismissed as anxiety. It was only when she developed severe abdominal pain in May 2023 that she was taken to the emergency room, where she finally got the answers she had been seeking.

An ultrasound, CT scan, and labs reported bad news: Raquel was diagnosed with stage four colon <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> that involved her ovaries and liver. Testing verified the cancer was colon-specific. So far advanced when they made her diagnosis that medical doctors couldn't advance a scope to the area inside her colon. The worse-than-worst-case scenario? She had probably been carrying cancer around for nearly a decade without realizing it.

Raquel's case is not an isolated one. Throughout the United States, younger adults are being diagnosed with <span>colorectal cancer</span> more and more, usually after long delays. Even with the increasing incidence, however, many physicians still view colon cancer as a disease of older individuals, ignoring early warning signs in younger patients.

<h2>Why Colorectal Cancer Is Coming Out to Be a Stealth Epidemic in Young Adults?</h2>

Colorectal cancer is becoming one of the top killers of cancer among individuals under the age of 50, said the American Cancer Society. However, the myth that colon cancer mainly occurs among elderly adults is still common among doctors. Thus, symptoms among young adults are usually waved off as stress-induced or associated with less critical diseases.

Additionally, studies indicate that women—especially young minority women—face greater challenges in receiving timely diagnoses. Research shows that women’s pain is often downplayed compared to men’s, leading to prolonged suffering and delayed treatment. In Raquel’s case, had her initial doctor taken her symptoms seriously, her cancer might have been caught earlier, potentially altering the course of her disease.

<h2>Why Asking Questions and Taking Second Opinions Can Save Your Life?</h2>

Raquel's experience highlights an important lesson: second opinions and self-advocacy can be lifesaving. Had her ER physician not ordered full scans, her cancer could have gone undetected. Even after diagnosis, she had to change oncologists in order to find one who would consider all available treatment options.

Misdiagnosis and medical mistakes are more prevalent than most know, and patients need to be proactive when it comes to their own care. Getting a second or third doctor's opinion may be the difference between early and late-stage diagnosis. Anyone who has recurring or worsening symptoms needs to insist on complete medical testing.

Since her diagnosis, Raquel has received intense chemotherapy, modified her diet, and investigated genetic testing to determine how her cancer has progressed. Although her illness is considered terminal, she refuses to be limited by statistics about her future. She is proactively pursuing clinical trials and alternative treatments, intent on living longer than the dire predictions made by physicians.

Raquel has also become a voice, using her experience to teach and motivate others to hear their bodies, question dismissive medical advice, and insist on the care they need. Her message is one of urgency: no one should have to struggle for a diagnosis, and no one should have to face cancer by themselves.

Though Raquel's experience is tragic, it is also an eye-opener. Colon cancer is on the rise in younger adults, and the key to <span>early detection</span> and prevention lies in awareness. Here's what you can do:

Unexpected alterations in bowel habits, blood in the stool, continuous bloating, and pain in the abdomen should never be taken lightly. If these continue to recur, get yourself checked immediately.

If your doctor brushes off your symptoms, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else—listen to your gut.

If you have a history of colorectal cancer in your family, discuss early screening with your doctor. The age for colon cancer screening has already been reduced to 45, but those with risk factors should get tested even earlier.

<h4>4. Push for Comprehensive Testing</h4>

If there are persistent symptoms, demand diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies, CT scans, or genetic tests. Too many instances are being overlooked because initial testing is insufficient.

Read about the newest recommendations regarding colorectal cancer and remain proactive about your health. Awareness and knowledge can be the key to detecting cancer early.

Raquel A. lost her struggle with cancer back in October; a sad yet uplifting reminder why listening to the body and being an advocate for one's own health is of utmost importance. Her journey's not over by any means, but her voice is now being added to the much-needed discourse on young adults and cancer. Your health's worth fighting for, and every now and again, a second opinion is literally the difference between life and death. Don't wait until it is too late—be proactive, be persistent, and above all, trust yourself.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

cancer

colorectal cancer

early detection

cancer symptoms

digestive health

medical misdiagnosis

cancer awareness

young adult cancer

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At only 33 years old, Raquel A. never thought she would be receiving a terminal diagnosis. Like most young adults, she had written off ongoing gastrointestinal problems, blaming them on stress, diet, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Without health insurance during her twenties, she treated her symptoms herself with fiber supplements and changes in diet. When she finally secured medical coverage in 2021, her symptoms had temporarily improved, leading her to delay a doctor’s visit for over a decade.But when her symptoms recurred in 2022—this time with painful bowel movements, narrow stools, bloating, and rectal bleeding—she went to see a doctor. But rather than getting proper diagnostic workup, her complaints were dismissed as anxiety. It was only when she developed severe abdominal pain in May 2023 that she was taken to the emergency room, where she finally got the answers she had been seeking.An ultrasound, CT scan, and labs reported bad news: Raquel was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that involved her ovaries and liver. Testing verified the cancer was colon-specific. So far advanced when they made her diagnosis that medical doctors couldn't advance a scope to the area inside her colon. The worse-than-worst-case scenario? She had probably been carrying cancer around for nearly a decade without realizing it.Raquel's case is not an isolated one. Throughout the United States, younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer more and more, usually after long delays. Even with the increasing incidence, however, many physicians still view colon cancer as a disease of older individuals, ignoring early warning signs in younger patients.Why Colorectal Cancer Is Coming Out to Be a Stealth Epidemic in Young Adults?Colorectal cancer is becoming one of the top killers of cancer among individuals under the age of 50, said the American Cancer Society. However, the myth that colon cancer mainly occurs among elderly adults is still common among doctors. Thus, symptoms among young adults are usually waved off as stress-induced or associated with less critical diseases.Additionally, studies indicate that women—especially young minority women—face greater challenges in receiving timely diagnoses. Research shows that women’s pain is often downplayed compared to men’s, leading to prolonged suffering and delayed treatment. In Raquel’s case, had her initial doctor taken her symptoms seriously, her cancer might have been caught earlier, potentially altering the course of her disease.Why Asking Questions and Taking Second Opinions Can Save Your Life?Raquel's experience highlights an important lesson: second opinions and self-advocacy can be lifesaving. Had her ER physician not ordered full scans, her cancer could have gone undetected. Even after diagnosis, she had to change oncologists in order to find one who would consider all available treatment options.Misdiagnosis and medical mistakes are more prevalent than most know, and patients need to be proactive when it comes to their own care. Getting a second or third doctor's opinion may be the difference between early and late-stage diagnosis. Anyone who has recurring or worsening symptoms needs to insist on complete medical testing.Since her diagnosis, Raquel has received intense chemotherapy, modified her diet, and investigated genetic testing to determine how her cancer has progressed. Although her illness is considered terminal, she refuses to be limited by statistics about her future. She is proactively pursuing clinical trials and alternative treatments, intent on living longer than the dire predictions made by physicians.Raquel has also become a voice, using her experience to teach and motivate others to hear their bodies, question dismissive medical advice, and insist on the care they need. Her message is one of urgency: no one should have to struggle for a diagnosis, and no one should have to face cancer by themselves.How Can You Protect Yourself?Though Raquel's experience is tragic, it is also an eye-opener. Colon cancer is on the rise in younger adults, and the key to early detection and prevention lies in awareness. Here's what you can do:1. Know the SymptomsUnexpected alterations in bowel habits, blood in the stool, continuous bloating, and pain in the abdomen should never be taken lightly. If these continue to recur, get yourself checked immediately.2. Advocate for YourselfIf your doctor brushes off your symptoms, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else—listen to your gut.3. Get Screened EarlyIf you have a history of colorectal cancer in your family, discuss early screening with your doctor. The age for colon cancer screening has already been reduced to 45, but those with risk factors should get tested even earlier.4. Push for Comprehensive TestingIf there are persistent symptoms, demand diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies, CT scans, or genetic tests. Too many instances are being overlooked because initial testing is insufficient.5. Stay InformedRead about the newest recommendations regarding colorectal cancer and remain proactive about your health. Awareness and knowledge can be the key to detecting cancer early.Raquel A. lost her struggle with cancer back in October; a sad yet uplifting reminder why listening to the body and being an advocate for one's own health is of utmost importance. Her journey's not over by any means, but her voice is now being added to the much-needed discourse on young adults and cancer. Your health's worth fighting for, and every now and again, a second opinion is literally the difference between life and death. Don't wait until it is too late—be proactive, be persistent, and above all, trust yourself.