Rising Cases of Colon Cancer Among Young Adults

Colon cancer, once primarily seen as an affliction of older adults, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations. The average age for early-onset colorectal cancer has declined significantly over the past decade. While the overall incidence of colorectal cancer is decreasing, cases among individuals under 50 have skyrocketed, raising concerns among health professionals. Factors such as genetic mutations and unhealthy lifestyles—including poor diet and lack of exercise—are believed to contribute to this alarming trend.

Shannin's Struggle: A Painful Journey to Diagnosis

Shannin, who led a healthy lifestyle, began experiencing severe stomach pain that her doctors attributed to potential gluten allergies. However, after waiting nearly a year for a CT scan appointment, her condition deteriorated drastically. Her symptoms included debilitating abdominal pain, constipation, and significant changes in her bowel movements—a dangerous mix that signaled deeper issues within her gastrointestinal tract.

On discovering a blockage during an MRI, a colonoscopy confirmed her worst fears: she had cancer that had spread aggressively. Shockingly, because her tumor had grown so large, doctors were unable to complete the procedure initially designed to diagnose her further.

Diagnosed at Stage 4: Reality Hits Hard

The heartbreaking diagnosis was coupled with a grim prognosis—a mere three-year life expectancy without intervention. Fueled by frustration and the desire for better screening policies, Shannin expressed her dismay, wishing that colonoscopies were routine for individuals under 45. “If only I had been screened earlier, I could have caught this in an earlier stage,” she lamented.

A Grueling Battle Against Cancer

After an extensive surgery that removed parts of her colon and other affected organs, Shannin began a multidimensional treatment plan which included immunotherapy and chemotherapy. However, complications arose during her chemotherapy, highlighting just how precarious her health had become when she suffered an anaphylactic shock during treatment.

As Shannin navigated the challenges of her health regimen, scans revealed persisting tumors, leading to a search for alternative treatments, including a specialized procedure not covered by her insurance and reserved for a clinical trial she didn’t qualify for.

Seeking Hope Amid Financial Strain

With mounting medical expenses, Shannin resorted to launching a GoFundMe campaign, seeking support for her treatment. The potential cost of a promising procedure in the U.S. is estimated at over $500,000, a daunting figure that exacerbates her stress as she fights for her life.

In a turn of bittersweet joy, Shannin married her husband, Cody Desroches, in a beautiful beach ceremony in Jamaica. The couple is also hoping to start a family and has begun exploring surrogacy options after a harrowing experience with fertility preservation amid her cancer treatment.

Maintaining Positivity Against All Odds

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Shannin and her family strive to remain hopeful. She emphasizes the need to cherish every moment with loved ones and is determined to defy the statistic that marks her prognosis. While planning for a future feels daunting, Shannin refuses to be defined by her cancer, focusing instead on the love and support that surrounds her.

As the world watches her story unfold, Shannin Desroches not only exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity but also highlights a pressing public health issue—the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive colorectal cancer screenings, particularly for younger individuals.

Stay tuned for updates on Shannin's journey as she fights not just for her life but also for the hope of many others facing similar battles.