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Los Angeles Mother’s Cancer Misdiagnosed for Years as “Normal” Postpartum Changes
A 44-year-old Los Angeles mother’s persistent and alarming symptoms were repeatedly dismissed by healthcare providers as routine post-childbirth changes, only to later be diagnosed as stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Marisa Peters, a former Broadway vocalist and mother of three, first noticed bleeding during bowel movements after the birth of her first son. As her condition deteriorated, the symptoms became increasingly severe.
“Symptoms intensified to where blood was filling the toilet… then I had increased urgency to go to the bathroom,” Peters told reporters. “The size, shape and texture of my stool also changed.”
Despite repeatedly voicing concerns to multiple physicians including her primary care doctor, Peters’ symptoms were largely ignored. Medical professionals attributed her condition to normal bodily changes following childbirth.
“They didn’t realize the face of colorectal cancer had changed,” Peters explained. “It now looked like someone much younger.”
This oversight reflects a troubling trend in colorectal cancer diagnoses. While traditionally considered a disease affecting older adults, statistics show alarming increases in younger patients. According to the American Cancer Society, adults 65 and younger now account for nearly half (45%) of all new colorectal cancer cases—up substantially from 27% in 1995.
Peters endured five years of intermittent symptoms while having two more children. During the final year before diagnosis, she described having “always blood” in her bowel movements, which finally prompted her to seek evaluation from a gastroenterologist.
“I will never forget [the doctor’s] face,” Peters recalled. “She was stunned and shocked by what I shared.”
After blood and stool tests indicated cancer, Peters underwent an urgent colonoscopy, confirming the diagnosis. In June 2021, doctors found a 5-centimeter tumor at the top of her rectum, diagnosing her with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Peters underwent an aggressive 11-month treatment regimen including chemotherapy and radiation, which successfully shrank her tumor by half. The treatment protocol also included rectal reconstruction surgery with a temporary ileostomy bag to divert waste while the area healed. After six additional rounds of chemotherapy, Peters had the ileostomy reversed.
Throughout this ordeal, Peters was still nursing her 16-month-old child and caring for all three of her children with help from her husband. “Thankfully, I have a tremendous mental health team, and they have helped me redefine my life, really communicate with my husband, with my children,” she said.
Following her diagnosis, Peters discovered important family medical history she hadn’t previously known. When her sister underwent a colonoscopy, doctors found and removed precancerous polyps despite her having no symptoms. Peters later learned both her parents had precancerous polyps removed as well.
“Knowing your family’s health history is tremendously important,” she emphasized.
The experience inspired Peters to establish BE SEEN, a nonprofit organization advocating for earlier colorectal cancer intervention and screening. The organization provides resources and community programs to help others navigate the disease.
“Colorectal cancer is an entirely preventable disease, even though it’s on the rise in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s for reasons we don’t know,” Peters said. “I want people to be seen for their symptoms… I want them to be seen for their story. And I want them to be seen, ultimately, for their screenings, because we know they save lives.”
Colorectal cancer has now become the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death overall in the United States. Health authorities currently recommend screening beginning at age 45 for those at average risk, continuing through age 75.
Peters continues to advocate for greater awareness and earlier intervention, especially among younger adults who might not consider themselves at risk. “We’re losing people far too soon, and it’s just not okay. This is not something we should be settling for.”
Health experts advise anyone experiencing concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal discomfort to consult a healthcare provider promptly, regardless of age.
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18 Comments
This is a heartbreaking story. I hope Marisa Peters is able to recover and that her experience leads to greater awareness about colorectal cancer in younger adults. More education and vigilance is clearly needed among medical professionals.
Yes, it’s crucial that doctors don’t dismiss symptoms just because of a patient’s age or life stage. Early intervention could have made a real difference in this case.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about this woman’s struggle to get her symptoms taken seriously. Dismissing a patient’s persistent concerns as ‘normal’ without thorough investigation is a dangerous oversight that can have tragic consequences. More education and awareness is clearly needed, both among healthcare providers and the public.
Agreed. This case is a stark reminder that doctors must maintain an open mind and avoid making assumptions, especially when it comes to conditions that may be presenting differently in younger populations. Early detection is crucial, so all patient concerns should be taken seriously.
It’s distressing to hear about this woman’s struggle to get her symptoms taken seriously. Dismissing a patient’s concerns as ‘normal’ without thorough investigation is a dangerous oversight that can have tragic consequences. Doctors need to stay up-to-date on evolving disease patterns.
Absolutely. This is a stark reminder that healthcare providers must maintain an open mind and avoid making assumptions, especially when it comes to conditions that may be presenting differently in younger populations.
This is an unfortunate but all-too-common situation of a patient’s concerns being dismissed. Doctors need to take the time to really listen to their patients and not jump to conclusions. Diagnostic overshadowing can have devastating consequences.
Absolutely. Colorectal cancer is on the rise in younger adults, so physicians need to update their mindsets and be vigilant about investigating any persistent GI symptoms, regardless of the patient’s age.
This is a concerning case of a young woman’s cancer symptoms being dismissed as ‘normal’ for years. It’s critical that healthcare providers stay vigilant and take all patient concerns seriously, as colorectal cancer can strike at any age.
Absolutely. Early detection is key for better outcomes, so any persistent or worrying symptoms should be thoroughly investigated, regardless of the patient’s age or life stage.
What a terrible situation for this young mother to go through. Repeated dismissal of her symptoms is unacceptable. Healthcare providers must do better at recognizing the changing face of diseases like colorectal cancer. Early intervention could have made all the difference.
Agreed. This case highlights the need for greater education and awareness, both among medical professionals and the public, about the importance of taking all patient concerns seriously, no matter how ‘routine’ they may seem.
It’s frustrating to hear about another case where a patient’s legitimate health concerns were brushed off. Doctors need to listen to their patients and not automatically attribute symptoms to ‘normal’ changes. Early diagnosis could have made a real difference here.
Agreed. This is a wake-up call that the ‘face’ of certain diseases is evolving, and healthcare providers need to stay attuned to that.
This is a devastating story that underscores the importance of healthcare providers listening to and taking seriously the concerns of their patients. Dismissing a young woman’s persistent symptoms as ‘normal’ is unacceptable and can have devastating consequences. More awareness and education is clearly needed.
Absolutely. This case highlights the need for greater vigilance and an open-minded approach from medical professionals when it comes to identifying potential health issues, even in younger populations. Ignoring a patient’s concerns can have dire consequences.
This is a heartbreaking case that highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance around colorectal cancer, even in younger adults. Dismissing a patient’s persistent symptoms as ‘normal’ is unacceptable and can have dire consequences. More education is clearly needed.
Agreed. Early detection is crucial, so doctors must take all patient concerns seriously and investigate thoroughly, regardless of age or life stage. This case is a tragic example of the dangers of diagnostic overshadowing.