Introduction

When Brinlee Luster and her identical twin sister Mariela from Utah embarked on their college journey at Utah State University, little did they know their lives would soon take a terrifying turn. Both young women, full of dreams and aspirations, led parallel lives, attending the same college, falling in love, and even marrying just two months apart. However, their story took a dramatic shift in 2023 when Brinlee faced an unimaginable challenge: a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 21.

Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis

In the months leading up to her diagnosis, Brinlee experienced severe abdominal cramping and overwhelming fatigue, symptoms she and her doctors attributed to anxiety, the side effects of birth control, or irritable bowel syndrome. With her wedding planning in full swing, Brinlee initially pushed through, attributing her health woes to stress. But as her condition deteriorated, a colonoscopy revealed the shattering truth: she had advanced colon cancer.

Genetic Factors and Rising Cancer Rates

While Mariela remained healthy—though she underwent a colonoscopy where doctors removed polyps—the twin’s genetic predisposition to colon cancer raised alarm bells. Both sisters tested positive for a specific genetic mutation linked to a higher risk of developing this disease. Their case highlights the unsettling trend of increasing colon cancer cases among young adults, a phenomenon that has researchers and doctors alike scrambling for answers.

Expert Insights

Dr. Mark Lewis, Brinlee’s oncologist at Intermountain Health, noted a disturbing trend in his practice: more patients under the age of 45 are being diagnosed with colon cancer, pushing the boundaries of ages considered at risk. "There really is unfortunately no such thing as too young for colon cancer," he stated.

Potential Contributing Factors

Experts believe a combination of factors—including diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles—may be fueling this surge. Alarmingly, the role of antibiotics is coming under scrutiny, with Dr. Lewis indicating that antibiotic exposure during childhood could alter the gut microbiome in ways that might predispose individuals to cancer later in life. Antibiotics, while essential for fighting infections, can disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation and potential cell mutation.

Current Cancer Statistics

Colorectal cancer currently ranks as the fourth most common cancer in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The American Cancer Society projects that in 2023, around 154,270 Americans will receive a colon cancer diagnosis, with nearly 53,000 fatalities expected, including approximately 19,550 cases in individuals under 50.

Research Findings

A growing body of research highlights the concerning connection between antibiotic use and colon cancer, especially among younger patients. A pivotal study in 2021 revealed a stronger correlation between antibiotic use and colon cancer diagnoses in those under 50 compared to older populations, coinciding with a significant rise in global antibiotic prescriptions—up 46% since 2000.

Brinlee’s Journey and Advocacy

Brinlee's relentless battle against her cancer included 30 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, which she completed in December. Remarkably, she is now cancer-free. Mariela’s proactive health measures following her sister’s diagnosis led to the discovery and removal of polyps, prompting her to reflect: "I like to think that she really did save my life because I was headed down that route."

Raising Awareness and Support

Both sisters have taken to heart the importance of spreading awareness about colon cancer and are advocating for those experiencing symptoms such as unusual bloating, diarrhea, or blood in their stool to seek medical advice promptly. In a bid to support others facing similar battles, they have launched "The Port Studio," a line of sweatshirts designed for easy IV access for chemotherapy patients.

Conclusion

Brinlee encourages others not to shy away from sharing their stories, even when it feels uncomfortable. "I don’t want to hide that I had cancer... There’s always room for hope," she asserts. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and taking control of one’s health, especially in an age when young adults are facing alarming rates of colon cancer.