NEED TO KNOW
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Shannon Ivey faced symptoms such as weight loss and gastrointestinal issues before being diagnosed with rectal cancer.
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Ivey, a single mother, shared her journey in a memoir about dealing with cancer and advocating for her own health.
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Experts indicate that colorectal cancer is increasingly common among younger adults.
Initially, Shannon Ivey wasn’t thinking about cancer when she noticed something felt off. The 42-year-old, who lives in Columbia, S.C., experienced symptoms for months before realizing they could indicate a serious condition like stage 3 rectal cancer, as reported.
Among her symptoms was what she referred to as “mystery blood,” which she initially assumed was just spotting. Given that women in her family often go into perimenopause early, she thought it might just be another menopausal quirk.
“I never connected it to a bowel movement,” she said, reflecting on her journey in her book, Welcome to the Sh*t Show: A Memoir of Colorectal Cancer and the Power of Self-Advocacy.
Other troubling symptoms followed, such as “pencil-thin” stools and a constant need to use the restroom, which she linked to her long-standing gut problems. She attempted to cope by changing her diet and incorporating more fiber, even investing in a toilet stool for better positioning.
Things took a turn when she lost about 26 pounds over six months, a significant change that she hadn’t noticed until it was pointed out by her son’s school bus driver. That comment was a wake-up call, making her realize just how serious her condition might be.
“I knew that I was very sick when I saw that number,” Ivey recalled.
Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer, a growing concern among younger adults.
A recent report from the American Cancer Society noted that colorectal cancer rates are on the rise in younger generations after years of decline, suggesting a noteworthy shift in demographics affected by the disease.
Researchers found that almost half of new colorectal cancer cases now occur in adults under 65, reflecting a significant shift compared to previous decades, particularly regarding increasing rectal cancer cases.
Scientists urge the need for enhanced research, prevention, and screening, especially since many younger patients are diagnosed at more advanced stages.
