California mother Marisa Peters, now 43, found herself in a battle for her life after years of symptoms were dismissed by medical professionals. At 33, following the birth of her first child, Peters noticed blood on toilet paper but was reassured by doctors that she was likely experiencing hemorrhoids. Over the following five years, her condition worsened, with blood increasingly appearing in her stool, leading to alarming episodes where her toilet bowl would be filled with blood.
It wasn’t until Peters was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer at age 39 that she realized the severity of her situation. “If I had been seen earlier, we could have avoided this whole thing,” she lamented. With a desire to help others facing similar health challenges, Peters has made it her mission to educate young adults on recognizing symptoms and advocating for necessary medical tests.
Peters emphasizes the importance of being thorough and assertive when discussing symptoms with healthcare providers. “Being specific and deliberate about your experiences can pave the way for crucial screenings like colonoscopies,” she advises. This test is essential not only for detecting cancer early but also for identifying pre-cancerous polyps before they become life-threatening.
In an unfortunate twist, Peters shared her own misstep during her treatment journey. When finally discussing her symptoms in detail with her gastroenterologist, her concerns were taken seriously. However, when offered a colonoscopy, she chose an at-home stool test, which flagged cancer markers, ultimately leading her back to the colonoscopy for confirmation of the diagnosis. “I wish I had insisted on the colonoscopy from the start,” she said, reflecting on the time lost.
This experience highlighted a troubling trend: the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer among individuals under age 50. Data indicates that from 1999 to 2018, cases in this demographic surged from 8.6 to 13 per 100,000. Projections suggest that diagnoses among those aged 20 to 34 could increase by 90% between 2010 and 2030. “There are alarm bells that should be ringing, yet many young patients are being overlooked,” Peters noted.
Peters established a nonprofit organization, Be Seen, aimed at raising awareness about early-onset colon cancer and promoting access to screenings. During her advocacy work, she has encountered patients as young as 10, which has profoundly impacted her perspective as a mother of three sons. “It terrifies me,” she said, highlighting the urgency of education and awareness among young families.
While factors such as diet and sedentary lifestyles are often cited as contributing elements to the rise in colon cancer, they do not fully account for cases like Peters’, who maintained an active lifestyle as a Broadway performer. “We must shift the focus to symptoms rather than solely lifestyle,” she asserted, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the disease.
Recent research has suggested potential links between environmental toxins and the increasing rates of colorectal cancer among younger individuals. A study indicated that exposure to certain toxins from E. coli bacteria could trigger inflammatory responses that affect gut health. As these inquiries continue, the medical community seeks clearer answers about the underlying causes of colon cancer among those without traditional risk factors. “It’s a complex issue, and the answers are likely not straightforward,” Peters remarked.
Peters’s treatment involved a grueling regimen of chemotherapy and radiation, culminating in extensive surgery to restore her bowel function. Now cancer-free, she takes pride in her ability to return to performing, recently showcasing her talent by singing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Through Be Seen, Peters has already made significant strides, with her organization credited for facilitating numerous life-saving screenings. “We’re helping people get the necessary care before it’s too late,” she stated, underscoring the organization’s impact.
As Peters continues her advocacy, her message remains clear: “Be relentless in voicing your concerns. Don’t stop until you are heard.” Her commitment to educating others could prevent many from experiencing the challenges she faced, inspiring hope and action in the fight against colon cancer.