Brinlee Luster and her twin sister Mariela have shared their lives together since day one. They went to the same college, took the same classes, met their spouses on the same day, and got married only two months apart. However, 2023 marked a turning point in Brinlee’s life.

According to a report on DailyMail, 21-year-old Brinlee started experiencing severe abdominal cramps out of the blue. She was so fatigued that even daily walks became challenging for her. Initially, doctors attributed her symptoms to anxiety, side effects of birth control pills, or irritable bowel syndrome. Planning her wedding and completing her college education, Brinlee had connected these symptoms to stress. However, a few months later, her health deteriorated further, and a colonoscopy revealed that Brinlee had stage 4 colon cancer.

During the same period, her twin sister Mariela underwent a colonoscopy to remove polyps that could potentially turn cancerous but managed to remain healthy. Brinlee’s situation highlighted how colon cancer is becoming an increasing threat at a young age.

Brinlee’s condition prompted questions about why colon cancer is becoming more prevalent among young individuals. Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the US and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, 154,270 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2025, and 52,900 will lose their lives due to this disease.

Brinlee’s oncologist, Dr. Mark Lewis, noted that an increasing number of young people are being diagnosed with colon cancer. Dr. Lewis stated, “Unfortunately, there is no such thing as ‘too young’ for colon cancer,” recommending regular screenings for individuals under 45.

Experts suggest that the rising rates of colon cancer could be attributed to various factors, including diet, alcohol consumption, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. However, Brinlee’s case indicates that a more complex factor might be at play. Dr. Lewis mentioned that antibiotics used in childhood could alter the bacteria lining the colon’s inner surface, potentially increasing cancer risk.

With 30 rounds of chemotherapy, Brinlee completed her treatment in December and is now cancer-free. Following Brinlee’s diagnosis, her sister Mariela underwent a colonoscopy, where several polyps were removed. While some of these polyps were harmless, others carried abnormal cell growth that could lead to cancer. Mariela said, “I genuinely think she saved my life because I was heading down that path as well.”

Brinlee and Mariela’s story sheds light on the increasing number of young individuals being diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors emphasize the need for colon cancer screenings among young people and stress the importance of raising awareness in society. This tragic yet hopeful story not only portrays the challenges faced by young individuals diagnosed with cancer but also inspires with the resilience and perseverance they demonstrate throughout the treatment process.