The Unforeseen Diagnosis

Meet Brinlee Luster and her twin sister, Mariela—inseparable since birth, they navigated life side by side, from attending the same college to tying the knot just two months apart. But in 2023, fate threw an unimaginable challenge their way when Brinlee received a life-altering diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, while Mariela remained healthy.

Early Signs and Misdiagnosis

Utah native Brinlee's troubles began with severe abdominal cramping and an unusual fatigue that zapped her energy, making even familiar hikes feel impossible. Initially, doctors chalked up her symptoms to anxiety, the side effects of her birth control, or irritable bowel syndrome. Dismissing these warning signs, Brinlee, busy with wedding preparations and completing her studies at Utah State University, attributed her condition to stress.

The Shocking Truth

However, when her symptoms persisted and worsened, a colonoscopy unveiled the shocking truth—advanced colon cancer. Meanwhile, Mariela, who opted for a colonoscopy after her sister's diagnosis, had several benign polyps removed, highlighting the importance of early intervention for prevention.

Rising Concern Among Young Adults

This contrast between the twins raises alarming questions about the rising incidence of colon cancer among younger populations. While factors like diet, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles play a known role in increasing cancer risks, the twins' situation hints at deeper underlying factors—specifically, the long-term effects of antibiotic use.

Expert Insights

Dr. Mark Lewis, Brinlee’s oncologist at Intermountain Health, points out that more and more of his patients are younger than 45. He warns that there's “really no such thing as too young for colon cancer.” His theory suggests that antibiotic use during childhood may be changing the gut's microbiome in ways that increase cancer risk. He stated, “Antibiotics can affect the bacteria that line the colon. We're becoming increasingly cautious with prescribing them to young people given the potential long-term consequences.”

Statistics and Future Projections

Statistics are staggering: the American Cancer Society predicts that in 2023 alone, approximately 154,270 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, with 52,900 succumbing to the disease. Alarmingly, the figures include 19,550 cases among those under the age of 50, leading experts to anticipate that by 2030, colon cancer could become the leading cancer killer in this demographic.

Advocacy and Awareness

Amid this overarching cancer epidemic, the twins’ journey does not end with treatment. Brinlee has completed 30 rounds of chemotherapy and, as of December, is now cancer free. Their advocacy extends to raising awareness about the need for screenings, particularly in younger individuals, and they have created “The Port Studio”—a line of sweatshirts designed for chemotherapy patients that allow easy IV access.

A Message of Hope

Mariela stated, “I like to think that she really did save my life… I was headed down that route.” With their spirits unbroken, the twins exemplify resilience and hope, with Brinlee saying, “I don’t want to hide that I had cancer. Sharing your story might be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for inspiring others.”

Conclusion

As they forge ahead, the Luster twins are not just confronting their own challenges—they're also becoming advocates in a public health crisis that continues to grow, reminding others that there's always room for hope, even in the darkest of times.