Stage 3 rectal cancer at 26: one patient's public account

Lauren Ver Steeg was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at 26 after attributing symptoms to hemorrhoids; after treatment she has been without evidence of disease for about 18 months and is speaking publicly during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to reduce stigma.

Nearly one in 10 new cancer cases and cancer deaths in the U.S. is linked to colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Lauren Ver Steeg was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer at 26 after months of symptoms she and her doctors initially attributed to hemorrhoids. She underwent treatment that included radiation, chemotherapy and surgery and is now about 18 months without evidence of disease. Ver Steeg has spoken openly about her experience, using humor and fundraising to make the topic less taboo during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Key facts: - Ver Steeg experienced frequent stomach problems and blood in bowel movements and initially dismissed the symptoms as hemorrhoids before a colonoscopy found a malignant tumor in her rectum. - She received multimodal cancer treatment and, at age 28, has been reported as having no evidence of disease for roughly a year and a half; reaching five years would mark the standard milestone for being considered cancer-free. - Recent reporting from the American Cancer Society found rectal cancer incidence rose about 1% per year from 2018 to 2022, and many adults under 50 are diagnosed at more advanced stages. - The ACS 2024 report cited that about 55% of colorectal cancers may be associated with factors such as low physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, excess body weight, high intake of red and processed meats, and low intake of calcium, whole grains and fiber. Summary: Ver Steeg's experience illustrates that rectal cancer can affect young adults and that people in her circle have responded by raising questions with their doctors and scheduling tests after hearing her story. She is using public conversation and fundraising to reduce stigma around bowel symptoms and screening; the next personal milestone noted in reporting is reaching five years after diagnosis, which is when she would generally be considered cancer-free.