Logan, Utah – Twins Brinlee and Mariela Luster have always shared a special bond, doing everything together from attending college to meeting their husbands. However, in 2023, Brinlee faced a frightening diagnosis of stage four colon cancer at just 21 years old. Initially, her symptoms were dismissed as anxiety or side effects of birth control, but a colonoscopy revealed the devastating truth.
As Brinlee bravely fought through 30 rounds of chemotherapy, her twin sister Mariela stood by her side, even undergoing a colonoscopy herself to remove polyps. Doctors believe that antibiotic use, a worldwide concern, could be contributing to the rise of colon cancer cases in young people. The increased risk of colon cancer from antibiotics underscores the importance of careful prescribing to protect the gut’s healthy bacteria.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 154,270 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, with 52,900 deaths expected. Cases in individuals under 50 continue to rise, making it a growing concern for healthcare providers. Despite the challenges they faced, Brinlee and Mariela have turned their experience into a source of inspiration, launching a sweatshirt brand to help others going through chemotherapy.
For Brinlee, being able to share her story of survival is a way to spread awareness and offer hope to others facing similar battles. By shining a light on the importance of early detection and healthy lifestyle choices, the Luster twins are on a mission to inspire and empower individuals in their fight against cancer. The courage and resilience they have shown in the face of adversity serve as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always room for hope.