Woman, 33, called “hypochondriac” by dr diagnosed with colorectal cancer

After many visits to the doctor for what was initially dismissed as a case of hemorrhoids, a devastating revelation awaited Christine Jarzabek, a 33-year-old mother.

In October last year, Jarzabek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer despite being told she was “too young” for a colonoscopy.

In a phone interview with Newsweek, the mom of two from Ontario, Canada, discussed the only symptom she had and how her age prevented an earlier diagnosis.

“It is so hard to be taken seriously,” she told Newsweek. “I was labeled as a hypochondriac by medics when I voiced my concerns.”

The CDC advises 45- to 75 year olds to get screened for colorectal cancer regularly. However, the American Cancer Society’s statistics show that it is on the rise among people under the age of 50, with rates increasing by 2.4 percent yearly from 2012 to 2021.

Jarzabek, who lost a friend to the same type of cancer, believes her concerns were dismissed due to her medical anxiety, and outdated statistics further delayed the diagnostic process.

Doctor Confirms Younger Patients Are Overlooked

Andrew S. Boxer, a gastroenterologist, told Newsweek: “Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed similar cases where young patients with potential colorectal cancer symptoms were dismissed due to their age.”

Boxer, who works at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, emphasized that colorectal cancer is more common in older adults, but it is increasing in younger populations.

“Many people think that if you are not of screening age and have no risk factor nothing dangerous can be happening,” he said. “This is definitely not true.”

However, medical staff are only able to do colonoscopies for patients with symptoms, even if they are prior to recommended screening age.

Trust Your Gut

“We shouldn’t be following statistics from decades ago,” she said. “This world has done nothing but poison us with chemicals—in our food, products, plastics.

“We are discovering a lot now, and it is affecting us. Why are we shocked that the rates are skyrocketing? The recommendation for a colonoscopy needs to lower—I am lucky because I trusted my gut and continued to request it.”

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer ranks as the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth in women. When combined, it becomes the second most common cause of cancer deaths overall. It is projected to cause approximately 52,900 deaths in 2025.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms

The common symptoms are changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation, bright red rectal bleeding, dark blood in stool, cramps, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Jarzabek only experienced blood in her stool, and for some time, she “didn’t think anything of it,” as it would come and go over the course of 12 months.

In December, she shared a video on Instagram (@cjartcanada), and it quickly went viral, gathering over 700,000 views.

An extract from the caption says: “Because of my age, I was initially denied. I insisted and was eventually given one ONLY to see if previously discussed issues were ‘probably hemorrhoids’ and found literal cancer instead.”

“I didn’t want to live off ‘probably fine,'” she told Newsweek, adding that she continued to request the procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of your large intestine, or colon.

“Eventually, I was given a colonoscopy to remove the hemorrhoids,” she said. But after the investigation, she was told by the doctor that he had found a lump and had taken several biopsies.

Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Three days later, she received a call confirming it was cancer.

“I was surprised and couldn’t stop crying,” she said. “All I could think about is my kids growing up without a mom. The thought of not being here when I am so young was wild.”

Despite having her suspicions, she couldn’t believe her gut feeling was true. After the initial shock, she told Newsweek that she “accepted” there’s nothing she can do and was relieved to hear it had been caught in time.

She is currently in her third week of treatment, which includes both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The sessions are scheduled five days a week for a total of six weeks.

“I don’t know the official stage but have been told it’s early and hasn’t penetrated through to my organs,” she said.

She now urges people to listen to their bodies and advocate for themselves. “If you think something is wrong, then don’t give up and keep on fighting for answers,” she said.

Colon Cancer in Young Adults

Qin Rao, a gastroenterologist at Manhattan Gastroenterology, spoke to Newsweek about the common causes of this cancer among younger populations.

“It is thought to be influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors, including dietary habits, obesity, physical inactivity, and possibly genetic predispositions. Dietary patterns that are high in red and processed meats and low in fiber, along with sedentary lifestyles, contribute to increased risk,” Rao said.

Family history of colorectal cancer or inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome, may also play a role.

“I was active, healthy and fit with no other symptoms that put me on the radar,” told Jarzabek, adding that she is still active and states the early detection had made her feel “lucky.”

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