Young Adults Face Rising Colorectal Cancer Threat

Colorectal cancer is no longer considered a disease that affects older adults. In fact, rates are rising worldwide, especially among younger adults, making it the leading cause of cancer death among people ages 25-49.

Anastasia's story is a reminder of why recognizing symptoms and speaking up can make all the difference. She was just working as a Boeing aerospace engineer in St. Louis when she started noticing recurring rectal bleeding.

At first, Anastasia thought it might be caused by hemorrhoids, but after several months, she finally sought out her primary care physician for answers. What she had hoped was a minor issue turned out to be stage four colorectal cancer that had already spread to her liver.

Anastasia underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy over the course of a year, and continues to work with her doctors to explore potential next steps, including evaluation for a liver transplant.