At 33, Marisa Peters visited a doctor after noticing blood on toilet paper. Recently having given birth, the doctors attributed it to hemorrhoids. Yet, over the next five years, her symptoms escalated—blood turned into ‘ribbons’ in her stool, eventually filling the toilet bowl. She often found herself darting to the bathroom.
Despite her growing concerns, medical professionals dismissed her because they believed she was too young and too healthy for colon cancer. It wasn’t until she turned 39 that she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer in 2021.
‘If I had been seen earlier, we could have avoided this whole thing,’ Peters said. Now 43, she aims to help others prevent a similar situation by informing young adults about the necessary steps to take when they experience symptoms, and, importantly, how to avoid her mistakes.
Peters emphasizes that those with symptoms should be ‘specific and deliberate’ in requesting a colonoscopy, which is crucial for diagnosing colon cancer. Catching the disease early can also identify pre-cancerous growths before they become severe.
She noted that being detailed with doctors is key. ‘If you’re vague or too shy to speak up, it creates barriers, and wishing it away won’t help. You must advocate for yourself.’
When Peters shared her symptoms in detail with her gastroenterologist, the doctor was quickly alarmed. However, a pivotal mistake was made; when asked if she wanted a colonoscopy, Peters opted for an at-home stool test, which showed positive cancer markers. She ended up needing a colonoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, regretting not having undergone one sooner to save time.
‘I had no idea about the rising colorectal cancer rates among younger people; I wasn’t informed about that at all,’ she remarked.
Doctors, she noted, should not frame colonoscopies as optional but rather necessary for patients exhibiting symptoms like hers. Peters’ case is considered early-onset cancer, a growing concern in the US for individuals under 50.
From 1999 to 2018, colon cancer rates in people under 50 rose from 8.6 to 13 per 100,000. Projections indicate a 90% increase in diagnoses among 20 to 34-year-olds between 2010 and 2030. Rates among teenagers have surged by 500% since the early 2000s.
Peters, who established a nonprofit called Be Seen to raise awareness of early-onset colon cancer, noticed the increasing youth of patients she meets, including a 10-year-old girl, which unsettles her as a mother of three boys.
‘That terrifies me as a mom,’ she said.
Factors like diet, inactivity, and a sedentary lifestyle have been implicated in the rise of colon cancer. Yet, it’s perplexing why healthy individuals like Peters—who has been active in dance and performing arts—are also being diagnosed.
Peters believes the focus should shift to symptoms rather than just lifestyle factors. ‘The dismissal or delay in diagnosis causes late-stage cancers,’ she explained.
As for why younger individuals are affected, she said, ‘We really don’t know, and that can feel daunting.’
Recent studies suggest childhood exposure to toxins from E. coli may heighten colon cancer risk by causing inflammation and disrupting gut health. Additionally, marijuana has been linked to the disease, as it could inhibit tumor-suppressing cells.
Nevertheless, researchers are still striving to pinpoint specific causes for cases in individuals without clear risk factors.
Peters suspects that the reasons are likely multifaceted. ‘I personally don’t think there will be a single answer to this; it’s probably a combination of various factors,’ she stated.
Following her diagnosis, Peters began chemotherapy, underwent radiation, and later, had extensive surgery to restore bowel function. Now cancer-free, she is gearing up to sing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Dodgers in July.
Her organization, Be Seen, has successfully connected many patients with resources, reportedly leading to over 30 individuals having confirmed pre-cancerous polyps removed.
‘If those had gone untreated, I would have had a different experience,’ Peters acknowledged.
As her organization develops, her advice remains consistent. ‘Don’t stop being relentless until you’re heard. It’s crucial that your concerns are met and resolved.’
