Young Woman Diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer After Ignoring Symptoms

A 24-year-old woman from Temecula, California, has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer after initially dismissing troubling symptoms. Meagan Meadows first noticed blood in her stool in October 2024 but attributed it to hemorrhoids, influenced by conversations with friends and family who reassured her that it was likely nothing serious given her age.

As the symptoms persisted over several months, Meagan decided to consult her primary care physician in February 2025. Although the physician expressed no immediate concern, they ordered blood work and a CT scan as a precaution. Both tests returned normal results, leading Meagan to consider canceling her referral to a gastroenterologist.

In April 2025, Meagan followed through with her appointment, where the gastroenterologist performed a colonoscopy. The procedure revealed a large mass in her colon, prompting the doctor to order additional tests. A subsequent CT scan and blood tests indicated the presence of the mass and enlarged lymph nodes, leading to a biopsy.

Three days later, in June 2025, Meagan received the devastating news: she had colon cancer. “I was in complete shock,” she recalled. “I had a strong feeling it might be, but I was still really scared and upset.” The doctor informed her that she was the youngest patient he had seen with this diagnosis.

During surgery in June 2025, doctors removed not only the tumor but also 25 cm of her colon and 20 lymph nodes, seven of which were found to be cancerous. This confirmed her diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer, requiring her to undergo a rigorous treatment plan of six months of chemotherapy.

The emotional toll of the diagnosis has been profound for Meagan. “My heart sank when they told me that my cancer was stage three,” she said. “The whole drive home, I was telling my parents that I didn’t want to die.” The reality of her situation has been overwhelming, as she transitioned from a healthy 24-year-old to confronting the potential of a life-threatening illness.

Meagan’s journey has sparked concern among her loved ones, leading them to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical expenses. She emphasizes the importance of being vigilant about health symptoms, regardless of age. “The only symptom I had was blood in my stool,” she explained. “I waited it out, but every time I went to the bathroom, it was there.”

Her story serves as a critical reminder of the importance of seeking medical advice and not dismissing symptoms, no matter how trivial they may seem. As she navigates her treatment, Meagan remains focused on her recovery and the support from her family and friends. “Treatment has been difficult; it gets a lot harder each time I go,” she noted. “It takes a lot of willpower to go back each time.”

Meagan’s experience highlights the growing awareness of colon cancer among younger populations and the need for increased education regarding symptoms and risk factors.