Colorectal cancer rates among people younger than 50 are continuing to climb, with diagnoses increasing by 1.4 per cent annually. This concerning trend has prompted survivors to speak out about their experiences.
Elayne Gorham, an author of children's books, received a devastating stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis when she was just 32 years old.
Having recently given birth, Gorham dismissed several warning signs that ultimately proved to be indicators of advanced cancer.
She shared her experience on TikTok to exemplify how easily serious symptoms can be misattributed to other conditions, particularly in younger demographics who may not consider cancer as a possibility.
Gorham suffered from what she characterised as a dull stomach pain
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The symptoms Gorham experienced began with persistent bloating and a noticeable reduction in her appetite.
She found herself unable to finish meals and constantly felt uncomfortably full, regardless of her food intake.
Extreme exhaustion plagued her daily life, which she described as "ungodly tired" - a fatigue far beyond typical tiredness.
She wrongly assumed this overwhelming weariness stemmed from caring for her newborn.
Additionally, Gorham suffered from what she characterised as a "dull, aching" stomach pain accompanied by vomiting.
She initially suspected these symptoms indicated an ulcer, never imagining they signalled advanced cancer spreading through her body.
"I had just had a baby, so I really didn't think anything was wrong. What can you learn from me? Don't be me. Educate yourself, know the symptoms, and then advocate for yourself," Gorham stated.
She now shares her story to prevent others from making similar mistakes. "How the heck did I miss symptoms of stage 4 colon cancer? I'd love to tell you about it," she said.
Gorham emphasised the importance of recognising warning signs, particularly extreme fatigue.
"Are you really fatigued all the time? I'm talking like an ungodly tired, that's a major red flag," she explained.
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Approximately 44,000 Britons receive a colon cancer diagnosis each year
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Approximately 44,000 Britons receive a colon cancer diagnosis each year, occurring when cells in the colon or rectum multiply uncontrollably. Current screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies beginning at age 45.
"I was 32 when I was diagnosed," Gorham noted. "So what that means is you need to know what symptoms to look for so that you can advocate for yourself."
Medical professionals and patients often assume colorectal cancer primarily affects older populations, leading to delayed diagnoses in younger individuals.
Consequently, young patients frequently receive their diagnoses at advanced stages when treatment becomes more challenging and survival rates decrease significantly.