Caty Abitz, a 25-year-old living in the United States, narrowly escaped colon cancer despite leading an active and healthy lifestyle. Life took a sudden turn for the young woman when cancerous polyps were detected during a routine colonoscopy. In her social media post viewed by thousands, Abitz warns young people about the silent nature of colon cancer. Non-smoking, non-drinking, healthy eater, and without any cancer history in her family, Abitz stated, “Hearing these results was shocking.” According to doctors, if the polyps had not been detected and removed on time, the risk of developing cancer within a few years was quite high.

“SAYING ‘I’M HEALTHY’ IS NOT ENOUGH”
Abitz’s warning comes at a time when cases of colon cancer among young adults are on the rise globally. While scientists point out that the exact reason for the increase is not fully known, some experts blame environmental pollution while others hold the consumption of highly processed foods responsible. Abitz’s journey began when she went to the doctor suspecting endometriosis. Following tests due to abdominal pain, the young woman was taken to surgery and then recommended a colonoscopy to determine if the pains were related to the digestive system. It was during this colonoscopy that two large polyps with a high risk of turning into cancer were detected.

“If I had waited a few more years, these would have turned into cancer,” Abitz said, now among those who need to get colonoscopies regularly every three years. Abitz particularly warns young individuals not to underestimate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, or rectal bleeding. She adds, “If a doctor tells you ‘you’re too young, nothing is wrong,’ find a new doctor.” In response to her video that made waves on social media, numerous young users shared their similar stories. Some said, “I’m 24 and have stage 4 colorectal cancer,” while another shared their experience saying, “At 18, 20 precancerous polyps were removed, and colonoscopies have been done every year since then.”

Research shows that in the past 30 years, there has been an increase of up to 80% in colon cancer diagnoses in individuals under the age of 50 worldwide. According to Cancer Research UK, cases seen in the 25-49 age group have increased by 52% since the early 1990s. However, it is still relatively rare among young individuals, with only one in 20 under the age of 50 receiving a diagnosis. While approximately 2,600 young adults are diagnosed with colon cancer each year, this number exceeds 44,000 across all age groups.

The stories of young patients like Abitz highlight the importance of screenings such as colonoscopies not only for older adults but also for young individuals with symptoms. Experts emphasize that anyone experiencing significant changes in bowel movements, blood in stool, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, or other symptoms should consult a doctor without delay.