Twin diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 21

Brinlee Luster, a 21-year-old from Utah, was recently diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. This came as a shock, particularly since she shares a twin sister, Mariela, who is healthy. The twins have shared many experiences together, including college and marriage, making Brinlee's diagnosis particularly difficult for both of them. Brinlee's symptoms began with severe abdominal cramps and extreme fatigue. Initially, doctors attributed her issues to anxiety and other common conditions. However, a colonoscopy revealed the serious diagnosis. Meanwhile, Mariela has remained healthy but had a colonoscopy after her sister's diagnosis, which revealed polyps that can develop into cancer. Brinlee's case is part of a troubling trend of rising colon cancer cases in young people. Dr. Mark Lewis, her oncologist, noted that more patients under 45 are being diagnosed. He suggested that antibiotic use from childhood could increase the risk of colon cancer decades later. Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy bacteria in the gut, which plays a crucial role in digestion and immune defense. The rise in colon cancer among those under 50 is alarming. The American Cancer Society projects that 154,270 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in the coming year, with 19,550 cases in those under 50. Factors like diet, obesity, and lack of exercise are also believed to contribute to this increase. After undergoing 30 rounds of chemotherapy, Brinlee is now in remission. Both sisters are working to raise awareness about colon cancer and have created a sweatshirt line designed for chemotherapy patients. Brinlee wants to share her story to inspire others and emphasize the importance of hope.