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43-year-old fitness influencer ignored her GI symptoms for a year. Then she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer: 'It could happen to anyone'

The article from Fortune discusses the increasing incidence of colon cancer among younger individuals, highlighted by the personal story of Maria Kang, a 42-year-old fitness advocate diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Despite her healthy lifestyle, Kang's diagnosis underscores the unpredictability of the disease. The piece details how colon cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second in women, with a notable rise in cases among those under 55. It explores potential reasons for this trend, including changes in diet, increased antibiotic use, and environmental factors. The article also emphasizes the importance of awareness and early screening, as symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss are often overlooked or misattributed in younger patients. Kang's story serves as a call to action for younger adults to be vigilant about their health and not dismiss the possibility of serious conditions like cancer.

Read the Full Fortune Article at:
[ https://fortune.com/well/article/colon-cancer-younger-people-maria-kang/ ]