“A mother, Jelena Tompkins from Colorado, initially attributed her foul-smelling gas to probiotics before being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. At 34, in 2016, despite her healthy lifestyle and recent half marathon, she noticed the unusual odor but brushed it off as possibly diet-related.”
Despite Ms. Tompkins’ efforts to regulate her gut bacteria with probiotics, the unpleasant odor persisted. Shortly thereafter, she became alarmed when she observed blood in her stool.
At the age of 34 in 2016, Jelena Tompkins detected a stronger odor from her gas than usual, leading to a diagnosis of stage three rectal cancer.
Having recently completed a half marathon and maintaining a nutritious diet, Ms. Tompkins reflected on her lifestyle, stating, “I was in some of the best shape of my life.” She expressed disbelief at being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age, remarking, “I ate healthy and never imagined cancer would affect me.”
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Initially attributing her symptoms to probiotics, Ms. Tompkins, at her annual check-up, was reassured by her doctor that the bleeding stemmed from dietary changes. However, three months later, sans probiotics, allergy tests were conducted to explore potential food intolerances affecting her digestive system. Subsequently, a colonoscopy uncovered stage three rectal cancer, metastasized to her lymph nodes.
Reflecting on her shockingly young diagnosis, Ms. Tompkins expressed, “I was in some of the best shape of my life.” Such disbelief underscores a troubling trend—colorectal cancer rates are surging globally, particularly among young adults. Projections indicate a doubling in incidence by 2030, with colorectal cancer poised to claim the title of the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 50 by decade’s end.
Colorectal malignancies rank third in prevalence and mortality in the US, affecting both genders almost equally. The American Cancer Society estimates approximately 153,000 new cases in 2023, including 19,500 among those under 50, with an estimated 53,000 fatalities this year alone.
The complex etiology of this alarming epidemic continues to baffle experts, who commonly cite unhealthy dietary patterns, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyles as contributing factors.
According to findings from JAMA Surgery, there’s an alarming projection: a staggering 90 percent increase in colon cancer cases among individuals aged 20 to 34 by the year 2030. Perplexingly, doctors remain uncertain about the factors fueling this enigmatic surge.
During her treatment journey, Ms. Tompkins underwent sessions of radiation and chemotherapy, pausing briefly to celebrate her sister’s wedding and participate in a local race.
Ms. Tompkins underwent surgery to remove 12 inches of her colon and rectum, along with 17 lymph nodes. Following the procedure, she was fitted with an ileostomy bag.
Ms. Tompkins underwent a 28-day course of radiation therapy along with the chemotherapy pill Xeloda, also known as capecitabine, typically prescribed for advanced colorectal cancer cases.
Following an additional two months of recuperation, her tumor began to shrink, yet surgical intervention remained necessary.
During the surgery, doctors excised 12 inches of her colon and rectum along with 17 lymph nodes, but unfortunately, five cancerous nodes persisted.
Ms. Tompkins underwent an ileostomy procedure, where surgeons create an abdominal opening and bring a portion of the ileum, the lowest segment of the small intestine, outside the abdominal wall to form a stoma. This diversion allows digested food to pass through the stoma into an external pouch rather than through the rectum and anus.
Six weeks post-surgery, she commenced a regimen of combination chemotherapy called FOLFOX, completing treatment in May 2017, just in time to participate in a local race.
Currently in remission, Ms. Tompkins is undergoing maintenance chemotherapy and annual scans.
One of the challenges in diagnosing colorectal cancer lies in its varied symptoms, which can mimic other conditions. Nonetheless, some symptoms stand out more prominently.
A study published last year in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute identified abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia as the most frequently reported symptoms.
Furthermore, a 2020 survey by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance revealed that 68 percent of participants, with an average age of 42, reported experiencing blood in their stool. Alarmingly, many individuals with colorectal cancer symptoms initially received misdiagnoses or were dismissed by medical professionals.
Over half of respondents recounted being misdiagnosed with conditions such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, or mental health issues. Notably, patients between the ages of 19 and 39 were more likely to feel disregarded by their healthcare providers.
In one study, individuals with just one symptom waited an average of 10 months before receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis, while those with at least three symptoms were diagnosed after an average of five months.
Currently in remission, Ms. Tompkins undergoes maintenance chemotherapy and annual scans to monitor for any signs of recurrence.
In a 2020 survey conducted by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, it was revealed that numerous patients exhibiting symptoms of colorectal cancer were initially misdiagnosed or disregarded.
Commencing at age 45, standard colonoscopy screening was emphasized, and Ms. Tompkins expressed gratitude that her physician didn’t hesitate to recommend one for her.
“If they refuse a colonoscopy, make sure they document in your medical record that you presented symptoms and they declined the procedure,” she advised. “This might prompt them to reconsider their decision.”
Despite no family history of cancer, Ms. Tompkins found solace in online communities of fellow patients.
“We could share our experiences when feeling fatigued or inquire, ‘Is anyone else experiencing this symptom?’ or ‘Does anyone have tips for managing an active ileostomy?'” she explained. “These are the kinds of concerns you might not always bring up with your oncologist, but having a supportive community allows for mutual support and brainstorming solutions during challenging times.”
