Young Woman’s Battle with Colon Cancer Highlights Growing Concern Among Youth

Dera Bugti:28-year-old Hadiya Shaukat, who has been battling stage 3 colon cancer for the past six months, shared her heartbreaking story in an interview with V News. She initially mistook her symptoms for simple weakness, including left-sided abdominal pain, dizziness, constant fatigue, weight loss, and frequent bathroom trips. Hadiya, who had no family history of cancer, was shocked when she was diagnosed while four months pregnant.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a silent enemy, often with no clear symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, common signs include unexplained weight loss or gain, constant fatigue, blood in stool, abdominal pain, frequent urge to use the restroom, constipation or diarrhea, and general weakness. However, not all of these symptoms necessarily mean one has cancer.

Hadiya, who is also concerned about her two-year-old daughter, faced the heartbreaking decision to terminate her pregnancy due to her condition. She reflected that, despite the immense emotional pain of losing her pregnancy, she believes it was God’s will. “As much as it hurt to lose my baby, I now feel that maybe it was for the best. And sometimes I think, had my daughter not been born, I wouldn’t have been so afraid of death,” she shared.

The rise of colon cancer cases among the younger population is a growing concern. While traditionally more common in older adults, cases of this cancer are increasingly being reported in younger individuals worldwide, including in Pakistan. According to the Health Organization’s 2024 report, colon cancer ranks first among cancers, followed by oral cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.

Experts are concerned that the rise in colon cancer among youth is linked to unhealthy eating habits, such as excessive consumption of fast food, processed foods, and low-fiber diets. Dr. Muhammad Huzayfa, a gastroenterologist, explained that several factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices, contribute to the increasing cases of colorectal cancer among the youth. He added, “Obesity and lack of physical activity also contribute to the risk. The lack of exercise can slow down bowel movement, which may allow cancer to grow.”

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors for colon cancer, with both becoming increasingly common among younger individuals. The introduction of vaping, often perceived as less harmful, is also raising concerns as it carries similar risks to smoking.

Diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoids may further elevate the risk of developing colon cancer.

Experts emphasize the need for young people to adopt healthier dietary habits, increase physical activity, and avoid smoking and alcohol to reduce the risks associated with colon cancer.