Colorectal Cancer on the Rise
Colorectal cancer has long been viewed as a disease that people don’t have to consider until later in life, but that understanding is shifting. Rates are rising worldwide, especially among younger adults. Colorectal cancer has been named the leading cause of cancer death among people ages 25-49.1 In 2022, there were approximately 1.9 million new colorectal cancer cases diagnosed worldwide.2
For many, symptoms like rectal bleeding, fatigue, or changes in bowel habits can be easy to brush off. They may seem minor, temporary, or connected to something else entirely. But when symptoms continue or start to change, it is important to pay attention. Anastasia’s story is a reminder of why recognizing those signs, and speaking up, can make all the difference.
Anastasia’s Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
It was early 2024 in St. Louis and Anastasia was working as a Boeing aerospace engineer. She had just gotten engaged to her fiancé, Pradeep, and was excited about her future. Between working on airplanes, planning a wedding, and painting in her free time, Anastasia’s life was picture perfect. But soon, that picture began to change.
By the summertime, Anastasia began noticing recurring rectal bleeding, a symptom she tried to dismiss, believing it might be caused by hemorrhoids. She had hoped it would pass and kept her fears to herself, saying nothing to her family or fiancé. After several months, Anastasia finally sought out her primary care physician for answers. What she had hoped was a minor issue was met with immediate concern, marking the beginning of a far more serious journey than she ever imagined.
Though Anastasia’s general physician referred her to a specialist, the wait for an appointment was long. As the time passed, her symptoms only grew more alarming. The bleeding intensified, exhaustion set in, and the toll on her body became impossible to ignore. It wasn’t until a few months later, that Anastasia underwent imaging that delivered devastating news: she was living with stage four colorectal cancer and the disease had already spread to her liver.
Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine, which is made of the colon and rectum.3
Anastasia soon learned that many of the symptoms she’d been experiencing, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, and lasting constipation or diarrhea, are associated with the disease.3 However, these symptoms can have many possible causes and are worth discussing with a healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
The diagnosis changed her plans quickly. Anastasia and her fiancé relocated to Rochester, so she could be closer to family while beginning treatment. Over the course of the next year, Anastasia underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. She continues to work with her doctors to explore potential next steps, including evaluation for a liver transplant. “My oncology team has been extremely helpful. They connected me with all the doctors that I needed to see, and not only health professionals, but also mental health professionals,” Anastasia explains.
Importance of Self-Advocacy
Although opening up about colorectal cancer was difficult at first, the experience brought her closer to friends and family, and she continues to take things one day at a time.
“I wish I didn’t ignore it for so long. I used to really beat myself up for it,” she shares.
Today, she encourages others to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Her advice is simple: “Just get it checked out.”
Anastasia’s story highlights the importance of recognizing possible signs of colorectal cancer and talking with a doctor — especially for younger adults who may not expect to be at risk.
Amgen’s Ongoing Commitment to People Impacted by Cancer
Anastasia’s story is a powerful reminder of why continued awareness, research, and innovation remain critically important. For decades, Amgen has been committed to advancing research in colorectal cancer — and that commitment continues today, as we work to help address the significant unmet needs still faced by people impacted by this disease.
To hear more about Anastasia’s journey with colorectal cancer, watch the video above. For more information about colorectal cancer, please click here.
Disclosure: Anastasia has been compensated by Amgen for her time. This is her experience and may not be the same for every patient.
References
- Sung H, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2025;26(1):51-63.
- Bray F, Laversanne M, Sung H, et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(3):229-263.
- World Health Organization. Published 2025. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer
