When Brooks Bell was 38, doctors told her that she was too young to have colon cancer and dismissed her symptoms as “likely hemorrhoids.” However, she was later diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer after advocating for tests. Bell, now 43, is encouraging other young adults to listen to their bodies and advocate for their health, especially as colon cancer cases are increasing among people under 50. She emphasized the importance of being proactive about health concerns.
Bell, the founder of a digital analytics company, discovered blood in her stool while traveling for a technology conference five years ago. Initially reassured by a doctor that it was likely a hemorrhoid, she later sought a different doctor’s opinion as the symptoms persisted. Even though the second doctor didn’t find a hemorrhoid, they attributed the symptoms to Bell’s age. Dissatisfied with the lack of progress, Bell took the initiative to contact a gastroenterologist herself and pushed for a colonoscopy, which revealed a tumor in her colon causing the bleeding.
Bell’s cancer was diagnosed as Stage III, and she underwent surgery to remove part of her colon followed by three months of intense chemotherapy. After the treatment, there was a period of anxiety as she awaited the results to confirm that the disease didn’t recur. Fortunately, she is now cancer-free after five years.
Dr. Austin Chiang, a gastroenterologist, highlighted the challenges in identifying the exact cause of rising colon cancer rates in young people but indicated factors such as increased consumption of red meat and ultra-processed foods, rising obesity rates, and lack of understanding about the underlying mechanisms. To reduce the risks, he recommended limiting the consumption of red meat and alcohol, not smoking, and maintaining physical activity. However, beyond these measures, there is limited knowledge on how to reliably reduce the risk of cancer.
In line with the doctor’s recommendations, Bell committed to intense exercise and even participated in a triathlon one year after completing her cancer treatment. Nutrition also became a focus for her, with an emphasis on a plant-based diet to support gut health. She also sought advice from a functional doctor to ensure she gets the right supplements and antioxidants.
Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have changed over the years, with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommending screening for adults aged 45 to 75. Bell advocated for the shift in the guidelines and also hinted at the possibility of the screening age being lowered to 40 in the future. However, she acknowledged the potential strain on resources which may limit the availability of colonoscopies.
Recognizing the lack of awareness among young people about the risks of colon cancer, Bell emphasized the need for early screening and care. She also highlighted the misconception that colonoscopies are uncomfortable or dangerous, which adds to the barriers in seeking preventive care. Bell has since become an advocate for colon cancer prevention and is actively involved in initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funds for colonoscopies for underinsured individuals.
In conclusion, Bell’s experience with colon cancer has led her to become passionate about increasing awareness of preventive measures and understanding the importance of health advocacy. She is committed to promoting routine colon cancer prevention as part of conversations about wellness, emphasizing the significance of proactive health behaviors.
