Dr. James Thomas
The article discusses the concerning rise of colorectal cancer among younger demographics, particularly individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Highlighting the case of Shy Holder, a 32-year-old mother diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer, it sheds light on the severity of the issue. Holder’s experience underscores the importance of being attentive to bodily changes and advocating for one’s health. The American Cancer Society identifies colorectal cancer as a leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50 and the second among women in the same age group. Dr. James Thomas, Holder’s oncologist, emphasizes the prevalence of later-stage diagnoses among young patients, indicating a need for increased awareness and proactive healthcare measures. Holder’s determination to fight the disease not only for herself but also for her children reflects the emotional toll and resilience associated with battling cancer. Despite lacking a family history of colorectal cancer, Holder’s case exemplifies the growing number of diagnoses nationwide, with over 152,000 new cases projected in the U.S. this year.
#ColorectalCancerAwareness #YoungAdultCancer #HealthAwareness #AdvocateForYourHealth #CancerPrevention