A Life-Altering Ignored Sign

In late 2015, Marisa Peters, then just 33 years old, faced a troubling sign: blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement. Concerned, she sought medical advice, but doctors dismissed her fears, attributing them to the common changes following childbirth.

"I presented as a young mom who looked fine on the outside, leading physicians to overlook my symptoms as normal post-baby issues," Peters recalls. Over the next five years, her concerns were underestimated as she welcomed two more children, all while enduring alarming symptoms.

A Deteriorating Condition

Initially, it was just blood. But as time passed, the situation worsened dramatically. "What started as ribbons of blood turned into full bowls of it," she revealed. Peters described her stool as having a "shaggy" texture—an alarming sign of a 5-centimeter tumor blocking her rectum.

With each passing year, her urgency to use the restroom intensified, leading to a constant fear of potential accidents. After significant blood loss and anemia, compounded by the stress of childbirth, Peters finally saw a gastroenterologist who recognized the seriousness of her plight.

The Long-Awaited Diagnosis

Despite her reluctance, a series of tests, including a Cologuard test, indicated she needed a colonoscopy. That examination ultimately revealed the tumor, and within 48 hours, the shocking news confirmed it was cancerous.

By early summer 2021, Peters learned she had Stage 3 rectal cancer. "My life flipped upside down in an instant," she said, recounting her disbelief that cancer could affect her.

A Grueling Treatment Journey

Peters faced a rigorous treatment plan: six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by 28 rounds of radiation, and a complex surgery to reconstruct her rectum—all while managing an ileostomy for four months. Thankfully, she responded well to treatment.

"That’s when the real battle begins," Peters reflected upon the beginning of her recovery. "I am grateful for the support—and, miraculously, I had a complete response to treatment."

A Surge in Young-Colorectal Cancer Cases

Remarkably, colorectal cancer cases among young individuals have been on the rise over the past three decades. Dr. David Rosen, an expert in the field, noted the alarming increase of cases in those under 45.

Key symptoms to be aware of include: bloody stool, rectal bleeding, alternating bowel habits, fatigue, unexpected weight loss, and abdominal pressure.

Spreading Awareness and Advocating Change

After overcoming her diagnosis, Peters founded a nonprofit, Be Seen, dedicated to eradicating preventable deaths from young-onset colorectal cancer.

"Our goal is to raise awareness, improve access to screenings, and encourage proactive health measures," she explained. Peters vowed never to stop sharing her story to shed light on colorectal cancer and its symptoms.

"If my journey can humanize this experience and prompt others to take action, then I will always speak out," she passionately declared.