1. < Colorectal Cancer

Why are so many younger folks getting colorectal cancer?

Posted by isamac @isamac, Aug 27 10:56am

My nephew who is only 41 was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Lymph nodes were removed and biopsied. Of the 33 removed 3 were found to be cancerous.
He is weighing treatment options but is reluctant to start on a 3 month chemo program.
Has anyone tried something other than chemo with promising results?

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cj4654 | @cj4654 | Aug 28 9:32am

Isamac,I am kinda in the same boat wondering the same. My oncologist does not know why. However, he thinks something is changing in our gut/microbiome health. I'm 48 yoa police officer was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer under went r hemlectomy resection and 6 months of Oxi/ Fu. Was doing fine besides the 23 pound weight gain and neuropathy etc. Just recent signaterra test value came back at 1. I'm n shock hasn't even been 4 months since I finished treatment. Scans are negative so far feels like it was all for nothing. I thought I would get a couple years wo having to deal with Dr again. Short answer is no one knows. Been active all my life was looking out for prostate cancer since father had it. No issues whatsoever, Sept 5, 2023 had a dull pain in abdomen while watching TV. Went to urgent care diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction transferred to a hospital. The rest is history. Still in shock. Just tell him to research and look into his oncologist they are all not created equal. Be essed and Goodluck.

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isamac | @isamac | Aug 28 11:04am
In reply to @cj4654 "Isamac,I am kinda in the same boat wondering the same. My oncologist does not know why...." + (show)
@cj4654

Isamac,I am kinda in the same boat wondering the same. My oncologist does not know why. However, he thinks something is changing in our gut/microbiome health. I'm 48 yoa police officer was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer under went r hemlectomy resection and 6 months of Oxi/ Fu. Was doing fine besides the 23 pound weight gain and neuropathy etc. Just recent signaterra test value came back at 1. I'm n shock hasn't even been 4 months since I finished treatment. Scans are negative so far feels like it was all for nothing. I thought I would get a couple years wo having to deal with Dr again. Short answer is no one knows. Been active all my life was looking out for prostate cancer since father had it. No issues whatsoever, Sept 5, 2023 had a dull pain in abdomen while watching TV. Went to urgent care diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction transferred to a hospital. The rest is history. Still in shock. Just tell him to research and look into his oncologist they are all not created equal. Be essed and Goodluck.

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Thank you for sharing your story. I feel like the more advances in medical treatments we have sometimes it doesn't mean that one of many options is right for you. We are all different and respond differently to treatments.
Im hoping you explore more options. My nephew has a 6-8 week window he was told by oncologist to make a decision. He is at 6 weeks now and looking for another opinion.
Good luck to you and I wish you will heal.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 10 7:55pm

@isamac, you might find this article helpful.

- Colorectal Cancer: What Millennials and Gen Zers Need to Know https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people

The article states:
"Nobody knows for sure why colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people. Sedentary lifestyle, overweight and obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, low-fiber, high-fat diets or diets high in processed meats, and other environmental factors have all been associated with the disease. Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease are also risk factors."

I'm sorry to hear that your nephew has such a hard decision to make. At 41, there may be life-stage factors influencing his treatment decision making, like taking time off work for chemo, financial consequences, etc. He may also be thinking about critical decisions regarding family and fertility, such as preserving sperm.

Luckily, there are treatments that are effective for treating colorectal cancer. Did he seek a second opinion? How is he doing?

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