A 24-year-old teacher from Southern California, Meagan Meadows, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after nearly overlooking one of the major signs of the disease. She now hopes her story will encourage other young adults to take even mild digestive symptoms seriously.Meagan first noticed a small trace of blood when she went to the bathroom and assumed it was due to stress, diet, or hemorrhoids, she told Business Insider. Embarrassed and convinced it was nothing serious, she almost did not mention it. But after confiding in friends, they persuaded her to see a doctor.Her initial scans and tests appeared mostly normal, except for a slightly thickened intestinal wall, a finding often linked to dehydration or low fiber intake. She was advised to get a colonoscopy but nearly canceled the appointment. “I felt silly because I thought I was perfectly fine,” she said. “I almost didn’t go.”When Meagan finally went through with the procedure, the results stunned her doctors.24-Year-Old Woman Diagnosed With Stage 3 Colon Cancer After Experiencing This SymptomIn October 2024, Meagan Meadows began noticing blood in her stool. She initially brushed it off after discussing it with friends and family, assuming it was a minor issue like hemorrhoids. Months later, when the bleeding persisted, she decided to visit her primary care doctor. While her physician was not alarmed, they still ordered a CT scan and blood work, both of which came back clear.She was then referred to a gastroenterologist, who performed a colonoscopy in June 2025. During the procedure, the doctor discovered a large mass and immediately requested additional blood tests and imaging. Three days later, Meagan was diagnosed with colon cancer.In June, surgeons removed part of her colon, the tumor, and 20 lymph nodes for biopsy. Seven of the lymph nodes tested positive for cancer, confirming stage 3 colon cancer. Meagan is now undergoing six months of chemotherapy while continuing to share her story to raise awareness among young people.What Are the Major Symptoms of Colon Cancer?Colon cancer often begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. These polyps can remain harmless for years before turning cancerous, sometimes taking up to 10 to 15 years to develop. Because polyps usually cause no symptoms, they can go unnoticed until they become serious. Detecting and removing them early is one of the best ways to prevent colon cancer.The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine, which is the final section of the digestive system. It helps break down food and absorb nutrients before connecting to the rectum. For this reason, when cancer forms in the colon or rectum, it is often referred to as colorectal cancer.Symptoms of Early-Stage Colon CancerEarly-stage colon cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, which makes regular screening especially important. Routine tests can identify changes before the cancer spreads, when treatment is most effective, according to Mayo Clinic.Symptoms of Later-Stage Colon CancerAs colon cancer progresses, it can extend beyond the colon into nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or even distant organs. The symptoms vary depending on where the tumor is located and how advanced it is.Signs of colon cancer may include:Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool shape.Rectal bleeding or visible blood in the stool.Dark, tar-like stools.Iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, or coldness in the hands and feet, and make the skin appear pale.Ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, or cramping.Feeling full after eating only a small amount.A sensation that the bowel doesn’t empty completely.Unexplained weight loss.A lump or swelling near the belly button area.If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare professional. Working with a multidisciplinary team, such as the one at Mayo Clinic, can help identify the cause and guide proper treatment.Symptoms of Early-Onset Colorectal CancerResearchers are still studying why colon cancer cases are rising among people under 50. Although the recommended screening age has been lowered from 50 to 45, many younger patients are still being diagnosed at more advanced stages.Common warning signs in younger adults include:Blood in the stool.Abdominal pain.Changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea.Unexplained weight loss.As early-stage colon cancer often develops without symptoms, screening remains the best way to detect it. Speak to your primary care provider about your risk factors and screening options that are right for you.
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