Young Woman Battling Stage Three Colon Cancer After Delayed Diagnosis

Meagan Meadows, a 24-year-old recent graduate from Temecula, California, is facing a daunting challenge after being diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. Initially attributing a key symptom, blood in her stool, to hemorrhoids, Meagan’s decision to delay seeking medical advice has led to a critical health crisis.

In October 2024, Meagan began noticing blood in her stool. After discussing her symptoms with friends and family, she convinced herself that the issue was minor. However, as the symptoms persisted over the next few months, she decided to consult her primary care physician in February 2025. Despite her concerns, the physician indicated that she “wasn’t concerned” and ordered blood work and a CT scan, both of which returned normal results.

Feeling reassured, Meagan considered cancelling her appointment with a gastroenterologist, but ultimately went ahead with it in April 2025. During the consultation, the gastroenterologist performed a colonoscopy, which revealed a large mass in her colon. Following this discovery, further tests confirmed the seriousness of her condition.

Three days later, Meagan received the life-altering diagnosis of colon cancer. “I was in complete shock,” she recalled. “The hardest part about it all was not knowing what was going to happen next.”

In June 2025, doctors performed surgery to remove the mass, along with a significant portion of her colon and 20 lymph nodes. The biopsy results indicated that seven of the lymph nodes were cancerous, confirming a diagnosis of stage three colon cancer. This marked a dramatic shift in Meagan’s life, as she transitioned from a typical young adult to someone grappling with a potentially life-threatening illness.

“My heart sank when they told me that my cancer was stage three,” Meagan said. “I did not expect it to be so extreme.” The emotional toll of the diagnosis was profound, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and fearful. “The whole drive home, I was telling my parents that I didn’t want to die. It was so scary knowing that death was a possibility at my age.”

Now undergoing six months of chemotherapy, Meagan describes the treatment as increasingly challenging. “It takes a lot of willpower to go back each time,” she said, reflecting on the difficulties of her ongoing care.

In response to her medical expenses, friends and family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Meagan during this difficult time. The initiative underscores the financial burden that often accompanies serious health issues, particularly for young adults facing unexpected medical crises.

Meagan’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking timely medical advice. Her experience highlights the critical nature of early detection in combating diseases like cancer, which can develop rapidly and with few symptoms.

As she navigates this challenging journey, Meagan remains hopeful and determined to fight her battle against cancer. Her resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit.