Bailey McBreen, a 24-year-old nurse from Florida, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, a severe illness that initially presented itself with an innocuous symptom – frequent burping. McBreen had been leading a healthy and active lifestyle, hitting the gym 5-6 times a week consistently, but she started burping 5-10 times a day, which was unusual for her. Initially, she dismissed this as inconsequential, not suspecting it to be a symptom of a serious disease.

Over time, however, her condition worsened. She began experiencing acid reflux and severe stomach pains. Her doctors initially attributed the acid reflux to anxiety, leading to a delay in her diagnosis. As her symptoms intensified, including a loss of appetite and severe pain, she suspected that something might be obstructing her internal organs. A subsequent CT scan confirmed her suspicion: a tumor had developed in her colon.

Despite colon cancer being relatively rare in young adults (only two cases diagnosed per 100,000 individuals each year), McBreen was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The tumor was located in the transverse colon, which is situated beneath other organs within the abdominal cavity, making treatment particularly challenging and exacerbating her symptoms. The tumor was causing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other discomforts. It also caused a complete bowel obstruction, leading to digestion issues and intense discomfort.

Although the excessive burping was not a typical sign of colon cancer, it was likely the start of her symptoms, according to her oncologist. Following her diagnosis in January, McBreen has shown immense resilience and determination. She is now undergoing chemotherapy, with her treatment expected to continue until the end of August. Bailey expressed her determination not to let the disease dictate her life, and she has shifted to a completely non-toxic lifestyle. Bailey emphasizes the importance of paying attention to one’s body and addressing even minor changes, as they could potentially indicate a serious health issue.