At just 28 years old, graphic designer Emma Clarke faced a nightmare no young adult expects: nine separate doctor visits over eight months, each ending with a dismissal of her symptoms as “stress” or “indigestion,” until she was finally diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Her story—shared exclusively with CNN Health—is now sparking urgent calls for greater awareness of early-onset cancers in Millennials and Gen Z.
@AmericanCancer “Colorectal cancer rates in adults under 50 have climbed by 2% annually since the mid-1990s—know your family history!” view on X
Emma’s ordeal began in January, when she experienced mild but persistent abdominal cramps and occasional blood in her stool—symptoms she first attributed to her busy work schedule and late-night takeout. After her first three visits to urgent care clinics, she was told it was likely irritable bowel syndrome or acid reflux. It wasn’t until her ninth visit, at a specialist referral recommended by her finally concerned roommate, that a CT scan revealed multiple tumors and liver metastases.
@MayoClinic “Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or blood in stool—don’t ignore these red flags.” view on X
According to data from the CDC, colorectal cancer in adults under 50 has nearly doubled in the past two decades. Yet, as Emma’s experience shows, awareness among both patients and many primary care physicians remains alarmingly low.
“I felt like I was going crazy,” Emma told NPR Health. “Each time I brought it up, I left feeling embarrassed—like I was wasting their time. By the ninth visit, I was in so much pain I couldn’t sleep or work.”
@NPRHealth “Patients under 50 face longer diagnostic delays—leading to more advanced-stage cancers.” view on X
Emma eventually underwent a colonoscopy and liver biopsy at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she learned that her cancer had spread aggressively. “Stage 4 was devastating news,” she said. “But I felt relief that finally someone was taking me seriously.” Her oncologist, Dr. Laura Martinez, explained that early detection could have caught her tumors at stage 2 or earlier, when survival rates exceed 90% per ACS statistics.
@ACSCanHelp “5-year survival for stage 4 colorectal cancer is about 14%—early screening saves lives.” view on X
Emma’s treatment regimen now includes a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted radiation. She shares updates on her public Instagram account, @EmmaFightsOn, where she documents grueling infusion days and small victories, like being able to walk her dog again. “I want to turn my story into fuel for others,” she says. “If talking about my journey helps one person insist on more tests, it’s worth it.”
Her campaign has resonated broadly. A social media post under #ListenToYourBody went viral, with survivors and healthcare professionals sharing tips on recognizing warning signs. Dr. Michael Chen, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes that “blood in the stool, iron-deficiency anemia, or drastic changes in bowel habits warrant prompt evaluation, regardless of age” per clinic guidelines.
@ClevelandClinic “Young patients shouldn’t be brushed aside—fast-tracking colonoscopy can be lifesaving.” view on X
Medical experts point to multiple factors behind rising rates in younger adults: diet high in processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and gut microbiome changes. A recent study in The Lancet Public Health links early-onset colorectal cancer to Western dietary patterns and inflammatory gut conditions.
Legislators are taking note. Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced the Young Adult Cancer Screening Act, which would lower recommended colonoscopy age from 45 to 35 for high-risk individuals with family history or persistent GI symptoms. “We can’t let insurance companies dictate who gets tested,” Klobuchar told Politico. “Early detection is non-negotiable.”
@Politico “Bill proposes coverage for earlier colonoscopies—advocates say it’s a game-changer.” view on X
Insurance industry groups argue that expanding screening ages could drive up costs, but patient advocates counter that late-stage treatment expenses far outweigh preventive measures. According to Health Affairs analysis, every dollar spent on early colonoscopy yields up to $7 in long-term savings.
Emma urges anyone experiencing alarming symptoms—persistent pain, rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue—to persist until they receive answers. “Don’t let ‘too young to have cancer’ be a reason to go home empty-handed,” she insists. “You know your body better than any form.”
As Emma continues her fight, her message is clear: age shouldn’t be a barrier to care. With rising rates of early-onset cancers, both patients and doctors must stay vigilant. “I’m not giving up,” she says. “And neither should you.”
