Chicago, IL

<div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2X1wjL_0vAGp4kG00" style="display:none" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2X1wjL_0vAGp4kG00" width="640" height="480" > CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Everyone has a colon, but not everyone likes to talk about it. <iframe allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="https://omny.fm/shows/wbbmam-on-demand/more-young-people-are-getting-colon-cancer/embed?style=cover&amp;size=square" style="width:100%; height:220px; overflow:hidden; margin-top: 1.25rem;"></iframe> "When we're children, we celebrate the idea of being potty trained, and then we forget about it and then take everything kinda autopilot and we forget about our colon, particularly when it comes to colon cancer,” noted Dr. Joaquin Estrada, chief of colorectal surgery and medical director of digestive health at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> Estrada added: “It's one of these diseases that are kind of closeted." Over the years, his typical patient for recommended screenings was someone over the age of 50, but recently, Estrada said it's been a different story. "We're seeing more and more younger patients,” said Estrada. “Whereas before, 'Wow, a patient is 33, this person is 35,' and it would be a one off, we'd then chalk it up to family history or whatnot. Now, we're seeing patients at those ages without family histories and sometimes even younger, and it's become more common." Estrada said it's oftentimes a head-scratcher. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=03m0xF_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=03m0xF_0vAGp4kG00" width="800" height="800" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><figcaption class="image-figcaption"><cite class="credit"> Photo credit Advocate Health Care </cite></figcaption> "You start seeing more and more young patients coming in, and we think, ‘Wow, this wasn't what we were taught in medical school,’” he said. "I was 47 years old at the time, before the 50-year-old colonoscopy," recalled Josh Rubenstein, who worked in broadcast media for 20 years then changed careers to become part of his local police department during the civil unrest of the pandemic. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "It was really one of the most exciting, tumultuous, most difficult times of my life. Incredibly stressful as you can imagine." Rubenstein chalked up his symptoms to stress. "I'd been working there for about three years,” Rubenstein said. “I had symptoms that were really innocuous. You could easily slough off as something else that wasn't serious. In fact, for a long time I just ignored it, as people my age and men in particular do." He had three more months of tests and eventually a colonoscopy. He then received news he never expected. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=46kKbz_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=46kKbz_0vAGp4kG00" width="640" height="427" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate><figcaption class="image-figcaption">Josh Rubenstein [center] join his local police department during the COVID-19 pandemic. <cite class="credit"> Photo credit Provided by Josh Rubenstein </cite></figcaption> "I woke up from my colonoscopy, and the doctor said 'Yeah, you have a tumor. You have cancer,’ and that started a whole new journey,” Rubenstein said. That journey would include six rounds of chemotherapy and then surgery. He said it was then he had a chance to start looking back. "I was thinking about how much processed meat I ate, hot dogs at ballparks," he laughed. "I asked myself, 'What did I do that caused this?'" <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> He had no genetic markers and no family history, so he chalked it up to dumb luck, but he learned to listen to his body and depend on the support system around him. "If I learned anything, any lesson here, it's listen to your body, go see the doctor, don't ignore it," Rubenstein said. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=07Dy9E_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=07Dy9E_0vAGp4kG00" width="640" height="480" ><figcaption class="image-figcaption">Josh Rubenstein had no family history of colon cancer. <cite class="credit"> Photo credit Provided by Josh Rubenstein </cite></figcaption><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> Cancer doesn't always show symptoms, and current guidelines call for screenings at age 45. Estrada, though, said too many people put off the critical test for a myriad of reasons. "There are a whole host of reasons not to get a colonoscopy,” Estrada said. “Patients will say it's too expensive. They have to take time off work. They need a driver. They say, ‘The solution doesn't taste good.’ They say, ‘It hurts.’ They'll say, ‘It's a private part, and I feel fine.’ They don't do them on Saturdays, a whole host of things. All of those may be true, but the flipside is that this is a curable disease and all you have to do is get your colon screened." Colleen Dardis, 51, said she had no symptoms when she got screened, "I turned 50, and I went in for a regular screening," recalled Dardis. "They found several polyps; one was very large. I needed surgery. It turned out to be stage 3." This wasn't her first experience with cancer. In her 20s, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0c29pa_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0c29pa_0vAGp4kG00" width="768" height="699" ><figcaption class="image-figcaption">Colleen Dardis beat cancer in her 20s, but was diagnosed with colon cancer at 50. <cite class="credit"> Photo credit Provided by Colleen Dardis </cite></figcaption> "At 25, I underwent my first batch of chemo, radiation and treatment, but then I lived a healthy life through my 30s and 40s…I had no cancer in my family,' said Dardis. "I thought I was done." Twenty-five years later, she was dealing with another round, but doctors insisted the colorectal cancer was unrelated. "Two separate issues. I very rarely catch the common cold, but I get cancer twice? That's not normal," she said, shaking her head. "But I kept asking myself, ‘Were there side effects I missed, that I ignored? How, at age 50, when I lived a relatively healthy lifestyle, I had to go through this twice?’" <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1V3l8h_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1V3l8h_0vAGp4kG00" width="768" height="1024" ><figcaption class="image-figcaption">Colleen Dardis undergoes treatment for colon cancer. <cite class="credit"> Photo credit Provided by Colleen Dardis </cite></figcaption> Nobody knows for sure why colorectal cancer numbers are rising in young people, however, researchers are closer to finding out. According to the American Cancer Society, those born between 1981 and 1996 face twice the risk of colorectal cancer than people born in 1950 do. "There's a chord of people that are growing up that seem to have some kind of incidents, some kind of similar experience 30-40 years ago that caused this rise in incidents. That's what people are exploring right now," said Dr. Mebea Aklilu, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital. "We've noticed this uptick in the last 10 years," Aklilu said. "We've noticed this especially after COVID." He said early onset cancer has become so common that clinics are now working to find out what's driving the trend. The first thing they look at is genetics. "There are multiple centers who have early onset clinics where they are trying to explore the 'why,'" Aklilu said. "Early discussions are genetic. Has there been a change in genetics and the answer is no, there hasn't been a change in genetics." An early theory examines a more widespread change in American diets over the past 30-40 years. "Less fiber, more processed foods hit our diet in that age group," Aklilu said. "The fruits and vegetables disappeared, processed food became the norm, parents were working and we were eating out of a box." One of the questions researchers are trying to answer is: What are these foods doing to the gut? "The newer data is looking at what the processed food and energy drinks have changed [in] the gut microbiome that causes a more pro-inflammatory condition, which seems to predispose to an inflammatory cancer drive state," he said. "The answer is not here yet, but people are actively looking for that 'why.'" <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3MtTzn_0vAGp4kG00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MtTzn_0vAGp4kG00" width="800" height="450" ><figcaption class="image-figcaption">Diagram of intestinal tract. <cite class="credit"> Photo credit CDC </cite></figcaption> Doctors, though, say anyone can make a difference for themselves and their loved ones by being informed and aware. Estrada said knowing the signs and symptoms is the first step. "The things that are not normal are: blood in the stool, pain, long periods of constipation," Estrada said. "Those things require a conversation with your healthcare provider. Many times it's nothing, sometimes it's not." Estrada said the key is to communicate with your doctor and your family. "Family history is another thing we don't talk about, especially when it comes to colon cancer," he said. "Whether it's a colonoscopy or a stool based test, there are many options to screen your colon." One option recently gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration: a new blood test that can detect colon cancer. It's a step forward. Estrada said that while technology and science have evolved, it's ultimately up to us to curb the numbers and take control of our own health. "We all have a job to convince our family members, to let them know, spread the word that this is something that can be preventable and curable," he said. "That's the job of everybody here. Let your mom, your dad, your brothers, your sisters [know]: This is something you need to get done. It's preventable and curable." Any cancer diagnosis is life changing but for survivors, it often becomes their new mission to help others like them. "So many people helped me through my battle," said Rubenstein. "I promised myself that I would do the same thing for somebody else, that it would be an honor for me to do so. To be able to tell them about my journey, that I'm here, I'm alive, I made it through." <iframe height="476" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flfielding%2Fvideos%2F509735481757569%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=380&amp;t=0" width="380"></iframe> Dardis has now been cancer-free for one year and tells her story openly. "I was shocked by the number of people who shared with me privately that they had gone through something similar," she said, fighting back tears. "As for me, at the time, it was better for me to focus on the positive, and spend the most time with people I loved. "But I rang the bell after my chemotherapy was over. It's been a good year. I'm starting to feel like my life is mine again," she smiled. Dardis said advancements in medical science have meant that cancer is no longer a death sentence. "The key is to get screened," she said. "The key is early diagnosis.” Rubenstein said he's already talked to a few friends and colleagues who've been diagnosed as well. "It's a privilege to be able to share my story, that someone can say, 'Oh, there's a light at the end of the tunnel for this, and I can fight this,'" he said. "The more people understand how real this is, the occurrences are going up. If people are aware of that and are willing to get tested, they'll know sooner and be able to address it, face it and live beyond it." For more information about colon screenings, symptoms, prevention and cancer you can find information from <a href="https://www.advocatehealth.com/immc/health-services/digestive-health-center" rel="nofollow"> Advocate Health </a> and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/resources/index.html" rel="nofollow"> the CDC </a> . <a href="https://www.audacy.com/stations/wbbm780" rel="nofollow"> Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy! </a> <a href="https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/sign-up-for-news-updates" rel="nofollow"> Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WBBMNewsradio" rel="nofollow"> Facebook </a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WBBMNewsradio" rel="nofollow"> Twitter </a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wbbmnewsradio/" rel="nofollow"> Instagram </a> | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@wbbmnewsradio105.9" rel="nofollow"> TikTok </a></div>

Columbus, OH

The Healthy 

Throat cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect various parts of the throat. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the areas most commonly affected are the larynx, or voice box, and the oropharynx, the middle section of the throat. According to the American Cancer Society’s 2024 statistics, it is estimated that there will be approximately 58,450 new cases of oropharyngeal cancer and about 12,650 new cases of laryngeal cancer. Throat cancer treatment typically involves surgical removal of the cancerous growths.

“Here’s How I Knew I Had Throat Cancer”: One Patient’s Story After Symptoms Were Missed

The US Sun

A MUM died just two weeks after being diagnosed with a common cancer after feeling too embarrassed to talk about her symptoms. Kasia Pietrzak, 43, admits that she is, to this day, still “trying to come to terms” with her mum Krystyna’s sudden death from bowel cancer. Krystyna was diagnosed with the disease back in […]

My mum died just 2 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer – she was too scared to talk about her symptoms

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

NewsNinja

"They get more than us, Why nobody told me about this?". If you're looking for a tasty option that won't break the bank, a Chick-fil-A's kids' meal might be just what you're after. It seems like a great deal. In fact, some people argue it's a better deal than a regular adult meal. This TikToker took the audience through the ins and outs of this meal.

Chick-fil-A customer says they’ll never order a full meal again after seeing kids’ meal

Georgia State

Contributors represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. They have also demonstrated their experience writing hard news for other outlets. Contributors are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

contributor

Atlanta, GA

Daily Coffee Press

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to over 28 years in prison for distributing significant amounts of fentanyl and other controlled substances to dealers in the Middle Georgia region. Authorities revealed that investigators uncovered evidence linking the drugs provided by the defendant, 40-year-old Lagary Williams, also known as "Frog," from Atlanta, to a fatal overdose.

Atlanta Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Supplying Deadly Fentanyl Linked to Fatal Overdose

Regular vet checkups will create a baseline, making it easier for you to spot dog illness symptoms that could signal severe health conditions. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, never mind contacting a veterinarian; this can be done through online vet chats or by calling your vet directly.

Warning signs: 10 dog illness symptoms and what they mean

North Carolina State

Roxboro, NC

Town Talks

According to Travel alot, Roxboro, North Carolina, holds the unfortunate title of the most miserable city in the state. Several factors contribute to this designation, including high poverty rates, low median household income, and high crime rates.

North Carolina City Named The 'Most Miserable' In The State

Polk County, FL

Fort Meade, FL

Uncovering Florida

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest after conducting an investigation into a case of credit card fraud involving 28-year-old Burger King employee, Kellyn Miley. The incident was discussed in detail during this morning's briefing with Sheriff Grady Judd.

Burger King Employee Caught Using Customer's Credit Card for Food at Former Job

A DAD was diagnosed with cancer just two days after the birth of his third child. Jay Martin, 47, noticed a lump on his neck in March 2023 but thought it was a swollen gland until it started to get bigger. Two months later, in May 2023, just 48 hours after his third child was […]

Dad, 47, diagnosed with incurable cancer just 2 days after his baby was born as family ‘make final memories’

Pain in your left arm can have many different causes, from injuries and muscle strain to a pinched nerve or sprain. In some cases, left arm pain is one sign of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), which is a medical emergency. This article discusses some of the potential causes of...

Why Is There Pain in My Left Arm, and Does It Signal Something Serious?

The Lantern

One man is dead after a five-hour standoff with police Sunday morning near Ohio State’s South campus. Credit: Lantern File Photo. One man is dead after an over-five-hour-long barricade standoff with the Columbus Division of Police Sunday morning.

One dead after five-hour standoff with police in the University District Sunday morning

Salem, OH

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Every day, 8-year-old Emma sits in a small garden outside her grandmother’s home in Salem, Ohio, writing letters to her mom and sometimes singing songs her mother used to sing to her.

Thousands of parents die of overdoses; advocates say their kids need more help

Maine State

Sagadahoc County, ME

Lewiston, ME

The Maine Monitor

Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. When a bill to strengthen Maine’s yellow flag law went into effect earlier this month, Sagadahoc County Sheriff Joel Merry said he felt a sense of relief.

Law enforcement officers can now get a warrant to take someone into protective custody

I watched two relatives go through cancer treatment. When I received my own diagnosis, I was thankful that my chemotherapy was more tolerable. Before receiving my own diagnosis, I never imagined what chemotherapy treatment would be like. I recalled as a young child witnessing what some of my relatives went...

Undergoing Chemo Was Not What I Imagined It Would Be

Health Digest

Bedtime heartburn doesn't necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea, but if you also have these warning signs it could mean you need to talk with your doctor.

Warning Signs Your Heartburn Is Actually Sleep Apnea

Yale, MI

As a summer camp volunteer in 2022, Molly Smith spent long days in the woods. One day, she suddenly felt tingling in her hands and feet and visited a local emergency room. Doctor thought the then 20-year-old needed to consume more fluids. “They told me it’s probably dehydration, drink a...

College student, 20, experienced numbness in hands, feet. It helped doctors find ovarian cancer

A woman was diagnosed with a one-in-three million cancer - after her symptoms were mistaken for anxiety. Madi Foster, 20, was "physically fit" but started to become easily breathless and had a lack of energy aged 17. Her mom, Nicola Foster, 51, took her to the GP but they were...

Woman’s rare cancer symptoms mistaken for anxiety

Corey Rhodes, 32, is keeping himself as active as possible while living with an advanced rare liver cancer. Now that his tumors have ‘stabilized,’ he is helping comfort others affected by the disease while rallying his community to assist with cancer research efforts. The type of liver cancer...

Heartburn and Shoulder Pain Led to 32-Year-Old’s Rare Liver Cancer Diagnosis: Tumor the Size of a ‘Deflated Basketball’

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a fast-growing cancer that develops in cells within the lung. A range of medical tests and procedures are available to help doctors diagnose SCLC and create an appropriate treatment plan. Lung cancer is a complex disease comprising various subtypes. A person who receives a...

How do doctors diagnose small cell lung cancer?

Florida State

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said he will consider more DUI patrols if voters legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida. Voters will consider Amendment 3 in November. It would allow adults 21 or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical purposes.

More DUI patrols possible if marijuana issue passes

Cicero, IL

Oak Park, IL

Berwyn, IL

Forest Park, IL

River Forest, IL

Elmwood Park, IL

Riverside, IL

Lincolnwood, IL

Hines, IL

Evanston, IL

Maywood, IL

Lyons, IL

Harwood Heights, IL

River Grove, IL

Evergreen Park, IL

WBBM News Radio 

Colorectal cancer rates have been increasing in younger people for decades, even though overall cancer rates are declining. WBBM takes a closer look at what some are calling a “colon cancer crisis” and what could be the reason.

The troubling trends of colon cancer: why so many young people are getting diagnosed

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