Young woman diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer

A 26-year-old woman has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer after her severe stomach pain was initially mistaken for celiac disease. By the time she received her diagnosis, the cancer had advanced significantly, making her treatment more difficult and costly. Colon cancer, which used to primarily affect older individuals, is now increasingly being seen in younger people. Cases of early-onset colon cancer have risen sharply, leading to more aggressive forms of the disease. The average age of diagnosis has dropped from the 40s to the 30s in recent years. Experts suggest that genetic factors and lifestyle choices may play a role in this trend. Shannin Desroches, the young woman affected, led an active and healthy lifestyle before her symptoms began. Her doctor suggested that her stomach pain might be due to a gluten allergy. However, Desroches took the initiative to schedule a CT scan, but faced long waiting times. When she finally underwent an emergency colonoscopy in early 2024, the cancer was already advanced, and doctors could not complete the procedure due to the size of her tumor. Desroches was given a three-year life expectancy after her diagnosis. She believes that routine screenings for people under 45 could have caught her cancer earlier. Her recent treatments have been challenging, including a severe allergic reaction to chemotherapy. Unfortunately, scans showed her tumors did not shrink as hoped. Currently, she is searching for additional treatment options, including an expensive procedure that is only available through a clinical trial she does not qualify for. With costs estimated over $500,000, Desroches has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical expenses. Despite her struggles, Desroches remains hopeful and recently married her husband. They are trying to start a family through surrogacy, as she will not be able to carry a child. Though her life has changed dramatically, she is focused on making the most of her time with loved ones and is determined to fight against her illness.