Woman diagnosed with colon cancer at 24 reveals 3 warning signs she missed early that you shouldn’t ignore

At 24, Paige Seifert was told she had stage three bowel cancer, a diagnosis that shattered her belief that she was “too young” for a disease long associated with older adults. Now 25 and cancer-free, the Denver-based engineer is speaking out to warn others after realising the symptoms she dismissed were not harmless at all.Seifert’s experience comes at a time of mounting concern among oncologists. Rates of colorectal cancer in people under 50 have risen sharply over the past decade, prompting renewed calls for symptom awareness rather than age-based reassurance.Her cancer was only discovered after months of escalating symptoms and a colonoscopy that revealed a large tumour already spreading beyond her bowel.

The moment everything changed

Seifert said she was overwhelmed when she woke from her colonoscopy and was told the results.“I just felt sick to my stomach. It was a feeling that I have never felt in my life,” she said. “My mind immediately went: ‘Am I going to die?’ It was a horrible feeling.”Further scans confirmed stage three disease, meaning the cancer had begun spreading to nearby lymph nodes. While stage one bowel cancer carries a five-year survival rate of around 90 per cent, that figure drops to roughly 65 per cent by stage three, and to about 10 per cent once the disease reaches stage four.

Seifert underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy followed by major surgery. She is now in remission, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The three symptoms she ignored, but doctors say you shouldn’t

Blood in the stool

The first sign appeared in August, when Seifert noticed bleeding during bowel movements. She assumed it was haemorrhoids, a view initially echoed by her doctor.However, by January 2025, Seifert sought a gastroenterologist just to be safe. The colonoscopy revealed otherwise. Blood in stool is one of the most common signs of colon cancer, as it indicates that there is bleeding in the within the intestinal tract or rectum.

Persistent stomach pain and discomfort

Seifert also experienced intermittent abdominal pain that felt unusual but not severe enough to trigger alarm.

Extreme, unexplained fatigue

Fatigue is another common symptom, which can be caused by anemia or upset stomach.

Why bowel cancer is rising in younger adults

Incidence rates among under-50s have climbed steadily worldwide, even as overall screening and survival have improved. It is the third third most diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2025 alone, there will be 154,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the USA.Scientists are investigating multiple possible contributors, including early-life exposure to E. coli, ultra-processed diets, microplastics, food packaging chemicals and lifestyle-related “accelerated ageing.” However, experts stress that no single cause has been confirmed, and research remains ongoing.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.