Doctors Told Her She Was Too Young for Colon Cancer. She Was Diagnosed at 32
After doctors initially told her she was too young to have colon cancer, Azucena Reyes (pictured above) was diagnosed with stage 3B at age 32. Photos courtesy of Azucena Reyes Colorectal cancer is rising fastest among Hispanic and Latino adults younger than 50, highlighting the importance of recognizing symptoms regardless of age. Azucena Reyes was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer at age 32…
Azucena Reyes was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer at the young age of 32 after doctors initially dismissed her symptoms, telling her she was too young to have the disease. Reyes' experience sheds light on the alarming rise of colorectal cancer among Hispanic and Latino adults under 50. The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have since updated guidelines to screen for colorectal cancer starting at age 45.
Reyes emphasized the importance of not disregarding warning signs regardless of age, suggesting individuals seek medical evaluation if experiencing symptoms such as blood in stool or persistent abdominal pain. She also acknowledged the need for personalized screening options for those under 45 who are not high-risk or do not have symptoms.
Reyes's journey through chemotherapy and its impact on her body, including weight gain, fatigue, and digestive issues, highlights the physical toll of treatment. Despite these challenges, she remains grateful for her life and proactive in managing her health through a high-fiber diet and regular screenings. While the exact cause of the rising incidence remains unclear, experts believe it may stem from a combination of factors, including changes in dietary habits, obesity, and environmental exposures.
Written by urgent.news from Healthline News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
