Ishita Roy

You Can Have These 6 STIs And Not Know It

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Although the medical profession has made gains in encouraging open discussions about <span>sexual health</span>, many people continue to be hesitant to discuss <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/sexually-transmitted-diseases">sexually transmitted diseases</a></span> (STIs) with their doctors. While these conversations may be difficult, they are crucial in protecting your health and that of your partner(s). Many STIs show with no symptoms, causing people to unintentionally carry infections that can lead to major health consequences.

Here, we've broken down six common STIs that can be asymptomatic, as well as preventative and treatment guidelines to help you take control of your sexual health.

<h4><span rel="noindex">Human Papillomavirus</span> (<span rel="noindex">HPV</span>)</h4>

<strong>Characteristics: </strong>Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can create warts in the anal and vaginal areas, but typically causes no symptoms. While many people's immune systems naturally eliminate the virus, specific HPV strains have been associated to malignancies of the cervix, <span>vulva</span>, vagina, anus, and throat.

Treatment and Prevention: Safe sex practices and regular screenings, such as Pap smears, can help find HPV early. Additionally, the HPV vaccine protects against high-risk types that might cause cancer. Consult your healthcare physician to determine whether immunization is appropriate for you.

<h4>Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)</h4>

<strong>Characteristics:</strong> HIV suppresses the immune system by attacking immune cells. While some people have flu-like symptoms early on, HIV can commonly advance with few or no symptoms, silently destroying the immune system.

<strong>Treatment:</strong> While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral medication (ART) can help people control their infection and live healthier, longer lives. ART inhibits HIV, allowing the immune system to heal itself. If you are sexually active, particularly in high-risk scenarios, you should have regular HIV screenings.

<strong>Characteristics:</strong> This viral <span>STI</span> frequently manifests as persistent sores or ulcers on the vaginal or anal sites. However, many persons with herpes are asymptomatic and may unintentionally spread the virus to sexual partners.

<strong>Treatment and Management: </strong>While there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medicines can help lessen the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. These drugs help reduce the likelihood of transmission, giving patients more control and peace of mind.

<h4><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/chlamydia">Chlamydia</a></span> and gonorrhea</h4>

<strong>Characteristics:</strong> These bacterial infections are typically asymptomatic, particularly in women. When symptoms appear, they may include irritation and discharge in the vaginal or rectal areas. Untreated infections can spread to the reproductive organs, potentially causing infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and pregnancy difficulties.

<strong>Treatment:</strong> Antibiotics can cure chlamydia and gonorrhea, but early detection is critical. Regular screenings can keep these illnesses from causing long-term harm and lower the chance of spreading to sexual partners.

<h4><span rel="noindex">Syphilis</span></h4>

<strong>Characteristics: </strong>Syphilis is characterized by its mild early indications, which might include painless blisters and rashes on the palms and soles. If left untreated, syphilis can cause long-term harm to the brain, heart, and other organs. Syphilis can be very hazardous to pregnant women, potentially resulting in stillbirths or serious health problems for newborns.

<strong>Treatment: </strong>If detected early, syphilis can be treated with medications, most often penicillin. Early detection is critical, as untreated syphilis can have serious, life-altering consequences.

<h4>Why Should I Be Screened for STIs?</h4>

STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are becoming more widespread across the United States. Sexually active people can benefit from STI testing, which can detect infections before they become more serious. Screening recommendations will vary depending on age, sexual activity, and lifestyle, so consult your healthcare physician to find the appropriate regimen for you.

Certain habits can increase the likelihood of developing a STI, including:

<ul><li>Having unprotected sex</li><li>Engaging in sexual activities with several or new partners</li><li>Having anonymous sexual interactions.</li><li>Using recreational drugs, which can reduce inhibition and lead to dangerous practices.</li></ul>

<h4>Preventing STIs: What You Can Do.</h4>

Taking precautions to avoid STIs is critical, particularly in non-monogamous partnerships. Using condoms and other preventative measures can significantly lower your risk. Communicate freely with your partners about sexual health, and consider frequent screening as an important part of your healthcare routine.

<h4>Take Charge of Your Sexual Health</h4>

While it may be frightening to discuss sexual health with your doctor, honest dialogue can make a significant difference in detection and prevention. Make screening a priority if you have any concerns about your symptoms or believe you are past due. Being proactive is a courageous step in protecting your health and that of your partner(s).

Health Conditions A-Z

health

sexual health

sexually transmitted diseases

human papillomavirus

chlamydia

syphilis

vulva

sexually transmitted infections

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Although the medical profession has made gains in encouraging open discussions about sexual health, many people continue to be hesitant to discuss sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) with their doctors. While these conversations may be difficult, they are crucial in protecting your health and that of your partner(s). Many STIs show with no symptoms, causing people to unintentionally carry infections that can lead to major health consequences.Here, we've broken down six common STIs that can be asymptomatic, as well as preventative and treatment guidelines to help you take control of your sexual health.Human Papillomavirus (HPV)Characteristics: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can create warts in the anal and vaginal areas, but typically causes no symptoms. While many people's immune systems naturally eliminate the virus, specific HPV strains have been associated to malignancies of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and throat.Treatment and Prevention: Safe sex practices and regular screenings, such as Pap smears, can help find HPV early. Additionally, the HPV vaccine protects against high-risk types that might cause cancer. Consult your healthcare physician to determine whether immunization is appropriate for you.Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Characteristics: HIV suppresses the immune system by attacking immune cells. While some people have flu-like symptoms early on, HIV can commonly advance with few or no symptoms, silently destroying the immune system.Treatment: While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral medication (ART) can help people control their infection and live healthier, longer lives. ART inhibits HIV, allowing the immune system to heal itself. If you are sexually active, particularly in high-risk scenarios, you should have regular HIV screenings.Genital HerpesCharacteristics: This viral STI frequently manifests as persistent sores or ulcers on the vaginal or anal sites. However, many persons with herpes are asymptomatic and may unintentionally spread the virus to sexual partners.Treatment and Management: While there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medicines can help lessen the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. These drugs help reduce the likelihood of transmission, giving patients more control and peace of mind.Chlamydia and gonorrheaCharacteristics: These bacterial infections are typically asymptomatic, particularly in women. When symptoms appear, they may include irritation and discharge in the vaginal or rectal areas. Untreated infections can spread to the reproductive organs, potentially causing infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and pregnancy difficulties.Treatment: Antibiotics can cure chlamydia and gonorrhea, but early detection is critical. Regular screenings can keep these illnesses from causing long-term harm and lower the chance of spreading to sexual partners.SyphilisCharacteristics: Syphilis is characterized by its mild early indications, which might include painless blisters and rashes on the palms and soles. If left untreated, syphilis can cause long-term harm to the brain, heart, and other organs. Syphilis can be very hazardous to pregnant women, potentially resulting in stillbirths or serious health problems for newborns.Treatment: If detected early, syphilis can be treated with medications, most often penicillin. Early detection is critical, as untreated syphilis can have serious, life-altering consequences.Why Should I Be Screened for STIs?STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are becoming more widespread across the United States. Sexually active people can benefit from STI testing, which can detect infections before they become more serious. Screening recommendations will vary depending on age, sexual activity, and lifestyle, so consult your healthcare physician to find the appropriate regimen for you.Factors that Increase STI RiskCertain habits can increase the likelihood of developing a STI, including:Having unprotected sexEngaging in sexual activities with several or new partnersHaving anonymous sexual interactions.Using recreational drugs, which can reduce inhibition and lead to dangerous practices.Preventing STIs: What You Can Do.Taking precautions to avoid STIs is critical, particularly in non-monogamous partnerships. Using condoms and other preventative measures can significantly lower your risk. Communicate freely with your partners about sexual health, and consider frequent screening as an important part of your healthcare routine.Take Charge of Your Sexual HealthWhile it may be frightening to discuss sexual health with your doctor, honest dialogue can make a significant difference in detection and prevention. Make screening a priority if you have any concerns about your symptoms or believe you are past due. Being proactive is a courageous step in protecting your health and that of your partner(s).

you can have these 6 stis and not know it

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The American workforce is experiencing a deep-seeded psychological challenge in 2025. Close to 46% of U.S. employees now indicate that they worry about getting laid off in the next year. This all-encompassing fear is not a temporary worry—it's changing the way Americans think about their work, careers, and even their mental well-being.

In a year marked by economic volatility, layoff anxiety is rapidly becoming a public <span>mental health</span> crisis in the United States. According to a new report by Indeed’s Hiring Lab and Harris Poll. With more than 700,000 job cuts announced in just the first five months of 2025—an alarming 80% increase from the same period in 2024—it's no surprise that job security feels like a luxury.

And behind the statistics, a more profound narrative exists: one of hustle culture, financial insecurity, and end-of-every-day stress converging—driving millions to the brink of burnout. 

<h2>Silent Impact of Layoff Anxiety on Mental Health</h2>

Layoff fear isn't merely about dreading losing a job—it seeps into all areas of an individual's existence. It generates a buzz of constant stress that never disappears, you're always anxious. You're working extra hours, not necessarily because you want to be more efficient, but simply in order to be irreplaceable.

This toxic cycle, breeds mental fatigue, emotional disengagement, and tension-filled relationships, both on and off the job. Employees are working harder, putting in more overtime, and neglecting their own health—hoping only to make it through the next round of slashes.

<ul><li>Inability to concentrate, even on mundane tasks</li><li>Increased irritability or mood swings</li><li>Insomnia or excessive fatigue</li><li>Working excessively to seem indispensable</li><li>Withdrawing from coworkers or loved ones</li></ul>

This chronic stress does not stay in the office. It filters into personal relationships, interferes with sleep, and compromises overall quality of life.

The U.S. job market at first glance seems solid. Unemployment remains at 4.2%, and the nation gained 139,000 new jobs in May. Behind the headline numbers, however, employee morale has tanked.

In accordance with Glassdoor's data, enthusiasm among employees has sunk to a 2016 low, with only 45.1% of employees having confidence in their organization's six-month prognosis as of April 2025. That's hardly an improvement from the all-time low of 44.4% in February.

These numbers reveal a workforce that's fearful, uncertain, and hesitant to believe in long-term stability—when, technically, jobs still remain.

Maybe the most revealing change is in how employees are managing their careers. Half of all professionals polled, per Indeed's Hiring Lab and Harris Poll, are remaining in jobs they hate—not because they are satisfied or loyal, but because they are afraid of being the "last in, first out" when layoffs happen.

<h2>Is Hustle Culture Driving the Mental health Crisis?</h2>

America's historical love affair with productivity and "grind" culture could be fueling the layoff anxiety epidemic.

Hustle culture is centered on the constant striving—working more hours, skipping breaks, and foregoing personal time—all predicated on the assumption that hard work equals security. But in an environment where large-scale layoffs are determined by quarterly earnings calls, that does not hold.

Wilding contends that hustle culture generates an illusion of control. "People believe that if they work harder, they'll be able to stay employed. But working too much results in burnout, which will actually make you less efficient and more at risk.

In reality, employees are burning out for payoffs that never materialize—and sabotaging their own well-being in the process. A fearful workforce will be less innovative, less cooperative, and less committed to the firm's future.

<h2>What Workers Can Do to Take Back Control?</h2>

Under these conditions of uncertainty, the old career ladder seems more like a moving goal. As nearly half of American workers worry about being laid off, the formula for career success is shifting. For most, security trumps quick promotions or ideal job desires. The dilemma for workers and employers alike is to evolve with this new reality—to balance stability needs with growth, meaning, and happiness. But experts urge workers to make the transition from fear to flexibility. Here's how experts can safeguard their mental well-being and career prospects:

Upskill strategically: Prioritize in-demand, transferable skills.

Develop a personal brand: Networking and online presence are more important than ever.

Look at side projects: Passion projects can lead to opportunities while delivering meaning.

Establish boundaries: Working around the clock isn't the solution—rest is a sign of resilience.

With nearly half of the U.S. workforce suffering from layoff anxiety, we’re witnessing more than an economic trend—we’re watching a cultural shift unfold. The American Dream of climbing the career ladder through relentless hustle is being questioned, even rejected.

mental health

layoff anxiety 2025

us job cuts statistics

hustle culture burnout

employee mental health

job insecurity america

workplace stress 2025

career fear pandemic

The American workforce is experiencing a deep-seeded psychological challenge in 2025. Close to 46% of U.S. employees now indicate that they worry about getting laid off in the next year. This all-encompassing fear is not a temporary worry—it's changing the way Americans think about their work, careers, and even their mental well-being.In a year marked by economic volatility, layoff anxiety is rapidly becoming a public mental health crisis in the United States. According to a new report by Indeed’s Hiring Lab and Harris Poll. With more than 700,000 job cuts announced in just the first five months of 2025—an alarming 80% increase from the same period in 2024—it's no surprise that job security feels like a luxury.And behind the statistics, a more profound narrative exists: one of hustle culture, financial insecurity, and end-of-every-day stress converging—driving millions to the brink of burnout. Silent Impact of Layoff Anxiety on Mental HealthLayoff fear isn't merely about dreading losing a job—it seeps into all areas of an individual's existence. It generates a buzz of constant stress that never disappears, you're always anxious. You're working extra hours, not necessarily because you want to be more efficient, but simply in order to be irreplaceable.This toxic cycle, breeds mental fatigue, emotional disengagement, and tension-filled relationships, both on and off the job. Employees are working harder, putting in more overtime, and neglecting their own health—hoping only to make it through the next round of slashes.Symptoms of layoff fear are common:Inability to concentrate, even on mundane tasksIncreased irritability or mood swingsInsomnia or excessive fatigueWorking excessively to seem indispensableWithdrawing from coworkers or loved onesThis chronic stress does not stay in the office. It filters into personal relationships, interferes with sleep, and compromises overall quality of life.The U.S. job market at first glance seems solid. Unemployment remains at 4.2%, and the nation gained 139,000 new jobs in May. Behind the headline numbers, however, employee morale has tanked.In accordance with Glassdoor's data, enthusiasm among employees has sunk to a 2016 low, with only 45.1% of employees having confidence in their organization's six-month prognosis as of April 2025. That's hardly an improvement from the all-time low of 44.4% in February.These numbers reveal a workforce that's fearful, uncertain, and hesitant to believe in long-term stability—when, technically, jobs still remain.Survival Over AmbitionMaybe the most revealing change is in how employees are managing their careers. Half of all professionals polled, per Indeed's Hiring Lab and Harris Poll, are remaining in jobs they hate—not because they are satisfied or loyal, but because they are afraid of being the "last in, first out" when layoffs happen.Is Hustle Culture Driving the Mental health Crisis?America's historical love affair with productivity and "grind" culture could be fueling the layoff anxiety epidemic.Hustle culture is centered on the constant striving—working more hours, skipping breaks, and foregoing personal time—all predicated on the assumption that hard work equals security. But in an environment where large-scale layoffs are determined by quarterly earnings calls, that does not hold.Wilding contends that hustle culture generates an illusion of control. "People believe that if they work harder, they'll be able to stay employed. But working too much results in burnout, which will actually make you less efficient and more at risk.In reality, employees are burning out for payoffs that never materialize—and sabotaging their own well-being in the process. A fearful workforce will be less innovative, less cooperative, and less committed to the firm's future.What Workers Can Do to Take Back Control?Under these conditions of uncertainty, the old career ladder seems more like a moving goal. As nearly half of American workers worry about being laid off, the formula for career success is shifting. For most, security trumps quick promotions or ideal job desires. The dilemma for workers and employers alike is to evolve with this new reality—to balance stability needs with growth, meaning, and happiness. But experts urge workers to make the transition from fear to flexibility. Here's how experts can safeguard their mental well-being and career prospects:Upskill strategically: Prioritize in-demand, transferable skills.Develop a personal brand: Networking and online presence are more important than ever.Look at side projects: Passion projects can lead to opportunities while delivering meaning.Establish boundaries: Working around the clock isn't the solution—rest is a sign of resilience.With nearly half of the U.S. workforce suffering from layoff anxiety, we’re witnessing more than an economic trend—we’re watching a cultural shift unfold. The American Dream of climbing the career ladder through relentless hustle is being questioned, even rejected.

46% of workforce americans are struggling with layoff anxiety in 2025: is hustle culture hurting your mental health?

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When a sharp, stabbing stomach pain hit 39-year-old Krystal Maeyke, she attributed it to an allergy or working too hard as a mom. Active, healthy, and fit, the mother of one did not think of herself as vulnerable to cancer—until symptoms could no longer be denied.

Three months after that, Maeyke was diagnosed with stage 4 <span>metastatic bowel cancer</span>, a fact that put her world into disarray and is now a warning to young adults around the world: cancer doesn't care how fit or healthy you look or feel. Even though she was "super healthy and fit," Krystal's experience is a wake-up call that cancer doesn't discriminate on the basis of age, fitness, or family history. Her experience, honestly filmed on TikTok, is now prompting tens of thousands to see and respond to the tricky, much-misunderstood signs of <span>bowel cancer</span>.

Krystal's nightmare started with what she thought were harmless symptoms—sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. Similar to many, she credited them to an assumed food allergy or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly given that she was otherwise healthy and had no history of cancer in her family. For three months, she dismissed the discomfort as a result of the demands of motherhood and an active lifestyle. But the symptoms didn't end there. Krystal remembers having:

Recurring, inexplicable night sweats: So bad that she would wake up soaked, having to change clothes and sheets several times throughout the night.

Chronic fatigue: She was exhausted all day, all the time, but wrote it off as the unavoidable exhaustion of being a working mom.

Loss of appetite and abnormal bowel habits: She experienced changes in digestion, but attributed them to diet or stress.

General malaise: A sense of illness that she couldn't put her finger on.

These signs, she later discovered, were the classic prodrome of bowel cancer. But since they were mild, non-specific, and readily explainable by less serious causes, Krystal—like many others—dismissed them until the pain was excruciating.

"I was experiencing stabbing pains, very fatigued, night sweats, loss of appetite, spastic bowel movements, and just off in general," she explained in an open TikTok video chronicling her diagnosis. Like many others, she wrote it off as stress, a busy life, and maybe food intolerance.

She had never thought that these symptoms might be indicative of something potentially deadly.

Some evenings I would wake up sweating and need to change my clothes and bedding. But it was summer, and I had the air conditioner on, so I figured the room wasn't cold enough.

The turning point came when Krystal’s pain reached an intensity she could no longer manage. Living in the remote Australian desert town of Yulara, she was airlifted 280 miles by the Royal Flying Doctors Service to Alice Springs Hospital. There, a battery of tests revealed the unthinkable: stage four metastatic bowel cancer. The cancer had spread beyond her bowel to her abdomen, liver, and ovaries.

Krystal remembers the incident clearly, "I was awoken later that night by a doctor whose words I will never forget. 'Krystal, I've got bad news… You have cancer.' The gravity of those words, coupled with my question of 'How do you know?' and the doctor's reply, 'It's everywhere,' shook me to my core."

Stage four, or metastatic, colorectal cancer implies the disease has invaded distant organs. The Cleveland Clinic describes this as the most advanced and hardest-to-treat stage. Krystal's case is not unusual: many patients, particularly younger ones, are diagnosed late because early signs are indistinct or mistaken for less severe conditions.

Krystal's case highlights an important reality: bowel cancer can develop and spread viciously, even for those who look reasonably healthy. She experienced every stabbing pain as the tumour developed, almost clogging her bowels, and subsequently noticed a lump she was aware of was not an innocent lymph node, but a tumour.

I was awakened by a doctor whose words I'll never forget," she said. "'Krystal, I've got bad news… You have cancer.' When I asked him how he knew, he said, 'It's everywhere.'

Stage 4 bowel cancer, or metastatic colorectal cancer, is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body away from the colon or rectum—usually to the liver, lungs, or ovaries. In Krystal's situation, tumors were located throughout her abdomen, liver, ovaries, and bowel. She suspects the constant stabbing pains were because tumors were compressing the important organs and nerves.

"I could feel each stabbing pain," she said. "The tumor was halfways blocking my bowels. I could feel the lump, which they informed me could be merely a lymph node—it was the tumor. And then I could feel it reach my ovaries."

A recent study by Cancer Research UK and international studies have pointed to a concerning trend: bowel cancer diagnoses are increasing among individuals under the age of 50. For 27 of 50 countries, cases of early-onset have grown, with young adults diagnosed 23% more in some age brackets. The recent passing of social media personality Tanner Martin at the age of 30 has further focused attention on this concerning trend.

What is perhaps most shocking about Maeyke's story is how many of her symptoms are so typical, non-threatening complaints—tiredness, irregular bowel movements, night sweats that occur with the rise in temperature. With no known family history of cancer, exercising regularly and having a well-balanced diet, she had every reason to assume she was healthy.

But as Krystal's case highlights, bowel cancer is striking younger and younger adults, and the initial symptoms are usually not recognized or misdiagnosed.

Krystal's case is an impassioned plea to act. If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms—most importantly, abdominal pain, night sweats, or alteration in bowel habits—do not brush them aside. Seek advice from a doctor and push for extensive testing if symptoms remain.

Early diagnosis is key: although only slightly more than half of bowel cancer sufferers live 10 years after diagnosis, prognosis is so much better if the disease is diagnosed early. Screening and knowing the symptoms can help save lives.

In the United States, the second most common cause of cancer mortality, colorectal cancer, has seen its diagnoses in people below 50 years surge dramatically over the past few years. Scientists are yet to figure out why—citing processed food, inactive lifestyles, environmental pollutants, and even microplastic exposure as probable culprits.

The passing of 30-year-old influencer Tanner Martin from colon cancer last year pushed the issue further to the forefront, prompting discussions around early screening and education.

<h2>Recognising Symptoms of Bowel Cancer</h2>

The symptoms of bowel cancer may be challenging to identify in its early stages, Cancer Research UK and the Cleveland Clinic say. Some common symptoms include:

<ul><li>Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool</li><li>Changes in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)</li><li>Fatigue or shortness of breath</li><li>Abdominal pain or bloating</li><li>Unexplained weight loss</li><li>A lump in the abdomen</li></ul>

Yet, many patients show no symptoms until the cancer has already progressed—underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive screening.

Since her diagnosis, Krystal has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and shares her cancer journey with over 50,000 TikTok followers, aiming to raise awareness and offer support to others facing similar battles.

One of her biggest worries, she says, isn't the disease itself—but the psychological cost on her young son, Maison.

"He longs for my warmth, my guidance, and my love—a love that cancer is stealing away," she wrote in a heartbreaking post.

But she's still dedicated to raising awareness. Her tip: "Take symptoms seriously. Night sweats, pain, fatigue—don't ignore them. Trust your instincts. Early detection might just save your life."

bowel cancer

bowel cancer symptoms

young mother cancer story

ignored cancer signs

metastatic bowel cancer

night sweats cancer

early onset colon cancer

krystal maeyke tiktok

When a sharp, stabbing stomach pain hit 39-year-old Krystal Maeyke, she attributed it to an allergy or working too hard as a mom. Active, healthy, and fit, the mother of one did not think of herself as vulnerable to cancer—until symptoms could no longer be denied.Three months after that, Maeyke was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer, a fact that put her world into disarray and is now a warning to young adults around the world: cancer doesn't care how fit or healthy you look or feel. Even though she was "super healthy and fit," Krystal's experience is a wake-up call that cancer doesn't discriminate on the basis of age, fitness, or family history. Her experience, honestly filmed on TikTok, is now prompting tens of thousands to see and respond to the tricky, much-misunderstood signs of bowel cancer.Krystal's nightmare started with what she thought were harmless symptoms—sharp, stabbing pains in the lower abdomen. Similar to many, she credited them to an assumed food allergy or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly given that she was otherwise healthy and had no history of cancer in her family. For three months, she dismissed the discomfort as a result of the demands of motherhood and an active lifestyle. But the symptoms didn't end there. Krystal remembers having:Recurring, inexplicable night sweats: So bad that she would wake up soaked, having to change clothes and sheets several times throughout the night.Chronic fatigue: She was exhausted all day, all the time, but wrote it off as the unavoidable exhaustion of being a working mom.Loss of appetite and abnormal bowel habits: She experienced changes in digestion, but attributed them to diet or stress.General malaise: A sense of illness that she couldn't put her finger on.These signs, she later discovered, were the classic prodrome of bowel cancer. But since they were mild, non-specific, and readily explainable by less serious causes, Krystal—like many others—dismissed them until the pain was excruciating."I was experiencing stabbing pains, very fatigued, night sweats, loss of appetite, spastic bowel movements, and just off in general," she explained in an open TikTok video chronicling her diagnosis. Like many others, she wrote it off as stress, a busy life, and maybe food intolerance.She had never thought that these symptoms might be indicative of something potentially deadly.Some evenings I would wake up sweating and need to change my clothes and bedding. But it was summer, and I had the air conditioner on, so I figured the room wasn't cold enough.The turning point came when Krystal’s pain reached an intensity she could no longer manage. Living in the remote Australian desert town of Yulara, she was airlifted 280 miles by the Royal Flying Doctors Service to Alice Springs Hospital. There, a battery of tests revealed the unthinkable: stage four metastatic bowel cancer. The cancer had spread beyond her bowel to her abdomen, liver, and ovaries.Krystal remembers the incident clearly, "I was awoken later that night by a doctor whose words I will never forget. 'Krystal, I've got bad news… You have cancer.' The gravity of those words, coupled with my question of 'How do you know?' and the doctor's reply, 'It's everywhere,' shook me to my core."What is Advanced Bowel Cancer?Stage four, or metastatic, colorectal cancer implies the disease has invaded distant organs. The Cleveland Clinic describes this as the most advanced and hardest-to-treat stage. Krystal's case is not unusual: many patients, particularly younger ones, are diagnosed late because early signs are indistinct or mistaken for less severe conditions.Krystal's case highlights an important reality: bowel cancer can develop and spread viciously, even for those who look reasonably healthy. She experienced every stabbing pain as the tumour developed, almost clogging her bowels, and subsequently noticed a lump she was aware of was not an innocent lymph node, but a tumour.I was awakened by a doctor whose words I'll never forget," she said. "'Krystal, I've got bad news… You have cancer.' When I asked him how he knew, he said, 'It's everywhere.'Stage 4 bowel cancer, or metastatic colorectal cancer, is when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body away from the colon or rectum—usually to the liver, lungs, or ovaries. In Krystal's situation, tumors were located throughout her abdomen, liver, ovaries, and bowel. She suspects the constant stabbing pains were because tumors were compressing the important organs and nerves."I could feel each stabbing pain," she said. "The tumor was halfways blocking my bowels. I could feel the lump, which they informed me could be merely a lymph node—it was the tumor. And then I could feel it reach my ovaries."Why Are Younger People at Risk?A recent study by Cancer Research UK and international studies have pointed to a concerning trend: bowel cancer diagnoses are increasing among individuals under the age of 50. For 27 of 50 countries, cases of early-onset have grown, with young adults diagnosed 23% more in some age brackets. The recent passing of social media personality Tanner Martin at the age of 30 has further focused attention on this concerning trend.What is perhaps most shocking about Maeyke's story is how many of her symptoms are so typical, non-threatening complaints—tiredness, irregular bowel movements, night sweats that occur with the rise in temperature. With no known family history of cancer, exercising regularly and having a well-balanced diet, she had every reason to assume she was healthy.But as Krystal's case highlights, bowel cancer is striking younger and younger adults, and the initial symptoms are usually not recognized or misdiagnosed.Krystal's case is an impassioned plea to act. If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms—most importantly, abdominal pain, night sweats, or alteration in bowel habits—do not brush them aside. Seek advice from a doctor and push for extensive testing if symptoms remain.Early diagnosis is key: although only slightly more than half of bowel cancer sufferers live 10 years after diagnosis, prognosis is so much better if the disease is diagnosed early. Screening and knowing the symptoms can help save lives.In the United States, the second most common cause of cancer mortality, colorectal cancer, has seen its diagnoses in people below 50 years surge dramatically over the past few years. Scientists are yet to figure out why—citing processed food, inactive lifestyles, environmental pollutants, and even microplastic exposure as probable culprits.The passing of 30-year-old influencer Tanner Martin from colon cancer last year pushed the issue further to the forefront, prompting discussions around early screening and education.Recognising Symptoms of Bowel CancerThe symptoms of bowel cancer may be challenging to identify in its early stages, Cancer Research UK and the Cleveland Clinic say. Some common symptoms include:Rectal bleeding or blood in the stoolChanges in bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea)Fatigue or shortness of breathAbdominal pain or bloatingUnexplained weight lossA lump in the abdomenYet, many patients show no symptoms until the cancer has already progressed—underscoring the need for vigilance and proactive screening.Since her diagnosis, Krystal has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and shares her cancer journey with over 50,000 TikTok followers, aiming to raise awareness and offer support to others facing similar battles.One of her biggest worries, she says, isn't the disease itself—but the psychological cost on her young son, Maison."He longs for my warmth, my guidance, and my love—a love that cancer is stealing away," she wrote in a heartbreaking post.But she's still dedicated to raising awareness. Her tip: "Take symptoms seriously. Night sweats, pain, fatigue—don't ignore them. Trust your instincts. Early detection might just save your life."

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<em>'<span rel="noindex">Diagnostic Anomaly</span>' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of <span rel="noindex">rare diseases</span>. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.</em>

Before biologist Silvana Santos set foot in Serrinha dos Pintos, a remote Brazilian town tucked into the mountains of Rio Grande do Norte, families had long lived with unanswered questions. As BBC reports, the children there were losing the ability to walk, often before reaching adulthood. No one knew why—until Santos arrived more than two decades ago and uncovered a genetic mystery that would put the town on the global medical map.

With fewer than 5,000 residents, Serrinha dos Pintos had long operated as a close-knit, self-contained community. But beneath the surface of everyday life was a recurring pattern: a growing number of children unable to walk, gradually losing strength in their limbs. 

When Santos, a geneticist from São Paulo, arrived for what was meant to be a short holiday, she didn’t just see a town—she saw a puzzle.

That puzzle led her to discover and name <span>Spoan syndrome</span>, as BBC reports, a previously unidentified genetic disorder that weakens the nervous system and affects motor control. It only develops when both parents carry the mutated gene, a scenario made more likely in Serrinha due to a high rate of intermarriage within extended families.

<h4>The Town Where Family Ties Run Deep</h4>

In Serrinha, it’s common for cousins to marry—a reflection of the town’s geographic isolation and cultural traditions. Santos’s early studies found that more than 30% of couples in the town were related, and a significant number of these unions had produced at least one child with a disability.

Worldwide, cousin marriages are not uncommon, but they come with higher genetic risks. In Brazil, such marriages account for only 1–4% of unions, compared to over 50% in countries like Pakistan. While most children born to cousin couples are healthy, the chance of recessive genetic disorders, like Spoan, doubles to about 5–6% per pregnancy.

<h4>From Diagnosis to Global Discovery</h4>

Santos’s investigation didn’t end with just a diagnosis. What began as a three-month field visit evolved into years of research. 

She drove thousands of kilometres, collected DNA samples door-to-door, and documented family trees over coffee and conversation. Her work culminated in a groundbreaking 2005 study that identified Spoan syndrome and traced its genetic roots.

The syndrome, she found, was caused by the loss of a tiny fragment of a chromosome, triggering a malfunction in brain cells. While local legends pinned the condition on a randy ancestor named Maximiano, genetic evidence suggests the mutation arrived over 500 years ago with European settlers—most likely Sephardic Jews or Moors fleeing the Inquisition.

To date, 83 cases have been confirmed globally—including two in Egypt—strengthening the theory of a shared Iberian ancestry.

<h4>Changing the Conversation Around Disability</h4>

Santos’s discovery didn’t just change medical records; it reshaped local attitudes. 

Once dismissed with slurs like “crippled,” residents with Spoan are now recognised by name, their condition understood with empathy and scientific clarity. Many have received motorised wheelchairs and occupational therapy, improving not just mobility but also dignity.

For Inés, whose two sons are among the oldest living Spoan patients in the town, the transformation is bittersweet. “We love our children the same,” she says, “but we suffer for them.” By age 50, most Spoan patients require full-time care.

While a cure for Spoan remains distant, education and awareness are proving powerful tools. Santos is now part of a major government-backed initiative to genetically screen 5,000 couples for risk of recessive diseases. The goal isn’t to discourage cousin marriages, but to provide informed choices for families like Larissa and Saulo—who only discovered they were distantly related after months of dating.

'Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.Before biologist Silvana Santos set foot in Serrinha dos Pintos, a remote Brazilian town tucked into the mountains of Rio Grande do Norte, families had long lived with unanswered questions. As BBC reports, the children there were losing the ability to walk, often before reaching adulthood. No one knew why—until Santos arrived more than two decades ago and uncovered a genetic mystery that would put the town on the global medical map.A Name for the NamelessWith fewer than 5,000 residents, Serrinha dos Pintos had long operated as a close-knit, self-contained community. But beneath the surface of everyday life was a recurring pattern: a growing number of children unable to walk, gradually losing strength in their limbs. When Santos, a geneticist from São Paulo, arrived for what was meant to be a short holiday, she didn’t just see a town—she saw a puzzle.That puzzle led her to discover and name Spoan syndrome, as BBC reports, a previously unidentified genetic disorder that weakens the nervous system and affects motor control. It only develops when both parents carry the mutated gene, a scenario made more likely in Serrinha due to a high rate of intermarriage within extended families.The Town Where Family Ties Run DeepIn Serrinha, it’s common for cousins to marry—a reflection of the town’s geographic isolation and cultural traditions. Santos’s early studies found that more than 30% of couples in the town were related, and a significant number of these unions had produced at least one child with a disability.Worldwide, cousin marriages are not uncommon, but they come with higher genetic risks. In Brazil, such marriages account for only 1–4% of unions, compared to over 50% in countries like Pakistan. While most children born to cousin couples are healthy, the chance of recessive genetic disorders, like Spoan, doubles to about 5–6% per pregnancy.From Diagnosis to Global DiscoverySantos’s investigation didn’t end with just a diagnosis. What began as a three-month field visit evolved into years of research. She drove thousands of kilometres, collected DNA samples door-to-door, and documented family trees over coffee and conversation. Her work culminated in a groundbreaking 2005 study that identified Spoan syndrome and traced its genetic roots.The syndrome, she found, was caused by the loss of a tiny fragment of a chromosome, triggering a malfunction in brain cells. While local legends pinned the condition on a randy ancestor named Maximiano, genetic evidence suggests the mutation arrived over 500 years ago with European settlers—most likely Sephardic Jews or Moors fleeing the Inquisition.To date, 83 cases have been confirmed globally—including two in Egypt—strengthening the theory of a shared Iberian ancestry.Changing the Conversation Around DisabilitySantos’s discovery didn’t just change medical records; it reshaped local attitudes. Once dismissed with slurs like “crippled,” residents with Spoan are now recognised by name, their condition understood with empathy and scientific clarity. Many have received motorised wheelchairs and occupational therapy, improving not just mobility but also dignity.For Inés, whose two sons are among the oldest living Spoan patients in the town, the transformation is bittersweet. “We love our children the same,” she says, “but we suffer for them.” By age 50, most Spoan patients require full-time care.A Way To Go AheadWhile a cure for Spoan remains distant, education and awareness are proving powerful tools. Santos is now part of a major government-backed initiative to genetically screen 5,000 couples for risk of recessive diseases. The goal isn’t to discourage cousin marriages, but to provide informed choices for families like Larissa and Saulo—who only discovered they were distantly related after months of dating.Santos, now a university professor, continues to lead a genetics education centre and remains deeply involved in outreach in Brazil’s northeast. She may no longer live in Serrinha, but to locals, she’s more than a scientist.“She’s family,” says Inés.

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Diagnostic Anomaly: In This Remote Town, A Rare Disease Runs in the Family, Everyone Is A Cousin

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46% Of Workforce Americans Are Struggling With Layoff Anxiety In 2025: Is Hustle Culture Hurting Your Mental Health?

“I Thought I Was Just Tired”—Fit And Healthy Mom Diagnosed With Stage 4 Bowel Cancer After Ignoring Multiple Signs

Diagnostic Anomaly: In This Remote Town, A Rare Disease Runs in the Family, Everyone Is A Cousin