Brinlee Luster and her twin sister Mariela always shared their lives together. They went to the same college, took the same classes, met their spouses on the same day, and got married only two months apart. However, the year 2023 marked a turning point in Brinlee’s life. According to a report by DailyMail, 21-year-old Brinlee started experiencing sudden severe abdominal cramps. She became so exhausted that she could barely complete her daily walks. Initially, doctors evaluated her symptoms as anxiety, side effects of birth control pills, or irritable bowel syndrome. Planning her wedding and completing her college education, Brinlee attributed these symptoms to stress. However, a few months later, her health deteriorated further, and a colonoscopy revealed a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer. While her twin sister Mariela underwent a colonoscopy to remove polyps that could turn into cancer at the same time, she managed to stay healthy. However, Brinlee’s condition highlighted the increasing threat of colon cancer at a young age. Brinlee’s case prompted questions about why colon cancer is becoming increasingly prevalent among young people. Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, 154,270 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2025, and 52,900 people will die from the disease. Brinlee’s oncologist Dr. Mark Lewis points out that an increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer. Dr. Lewis says, “Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ‘too young’ for colon cancer,” and recommends regular screenings for individuals under 45. Experts note that the rising rates of colon cancer can be attributed to many different factors, including diet, alcohol use, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. However, Brinlee’s condition suggests that a more complex factor may be at play. Dr. Lewis suggests that antibiotics used in childhood can affect the bacteria that line the inner surface of the colon, potentially increasing the risk of cancer. Over 230 million antibiotics are prescribed each year in the United States, killing harmful bacteria while also harming healthy bacteria in the intestines. This can lead to inflammation of the digestive system, causing cells to mutate and turn into cancer. Brinlee underwent 30 rounds of chemotherapy and completed her treatment in December. She is now cancer-free. After Brinlee’s diagnosis, her sister Mariela underwent a colonoscopy and had several polyps removed. While some of these polyps were harmless, some carried abnormal cell growth that could result in cancer. Mariela said, “I really think she somehow saved my life because I was on the same path.” The story of Brinlee and Mariela sheds light on the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with colon cancer at a young age. Doctors emphasize the importance of colon cancer screenings for young people and stress the importance of raising awareness in the community. This tragic yet hopeful story not only illustrates the challenges faced by those diagnosed with cancer at a young age but also inspires with the resilience and perseverance they show during the treatment process.