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New Zealand Woman, 21, Shares Heartbreaking Update on Incurable Colon Cancer Journey
Dominique McShain, a 21-year-old from New Zealand, is sharing a poignant update on her battle with incurable colon cancer. For years, McShain harbored aspirations of becoming a psychologist dedicated to helping troubled youth in her native New Zealand. She was diligently pursuing this ambition, studying psychology at university, when her life took an unforeseen turn in April 2024. She received a devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had metastasized to her liver.
Dreams Interrupted by Terminal Diagnosis
Initially, doctors estimated her life expectancy to be between one and five years. However, in a recent and deeply moving announcement this Tuesday, McShain stated, ‘I want to be direct: this will be my final update regarding my cancer experience until I have passed away.’ She further disclosed, ‘I’ve recently received a prognosis, approximately five days ago, indicating I have only a few days to a few weeks left to live.’
Rapid Deterioration and Transition to End-of-Life Care
McShain’s chemotherapy regime, which she had been undergoing for seven months, was abruptly halted due to liver failure, resulting in jaundice, evident in the yellowing of her skin and eyes. ‘Currently,’ she explained, ‘I have transitioned to end-of-life care, concentrating on alleviating pain and managing secondary effects, spending considerable time in both hospital and hospice settings.’
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer on the Rise
Her diagnosis at the young age of 20, subsequent to experiencing months of fatigue, rectal bleeding, and constipation, underscores a worrying trend: the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer among individuals under 50. Statistics reveal a concerning surge in these cases, with rates among those under 35 nearly doubling between 1990 and 2019, escalating from 21,000 to 41,000. Concurrently, mortality rates associated with this condition in younger demographics have risen by 25 percent.
Emotional Update and Reflection on Rapid Progression
In a deeply personal and emotional video message, McShain conveyed her state of mind, stating, ‘I’ve been really numb to everything; I haven’t been crying much.’ Reflecting on the initial prognosis, McShain remarked, ‘It’s unbelievable to consider that I was initially given one to five years – I received my diagnosis on April 19th – and it hasn’t even been a full year yet.’ She further expressed the bewildering speed of the disease’s progression: ‘It just feels so surreal how rapidly my cancer has overwhelmed my body and its aggressive growth.’
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Understanding Colon Cancer and Metastasis
Colon cancer originates in the innermost layer of the colon and extends into deeper cellular strata before penetrating the colon wall and invading adjacent blood vessels and the lymphatic system. Metastasis to the liver occurs when cancerous cells detach and enter the bloodstream, eventually reaching the liver through the blood supply from the colon. Once in the liver, these rogue cells can evade immune system detection and establish themselves within liver tissue.
These tumor cells then exploit the liver’s resources, diverting nutrients intended for healthy liver tissue, commandeering immune cells, and constructing protective layers around themselves to withstand immune system attacks.
Early Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis
At the beginning of the previous year, McShain began experiencing episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Subsequently, she noticed blood in her stool, a recognized warning sign of colon cancer. A comprehensive 2024 study published in JAMA, analyzing data from 81 research papers involving nearly 25 million younger colorectal cancer patients under 50, identified rectal bleeding as the most prevalent early indicator.
Other frequently reported symptoms included:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Alterations in bowel habits
McShain also described persistent fatigue so severe that it impeded her ability to concentrate on her university lectures. ‘I would have a normal night’s sleep, but then sleep an additional five to six hours every day,’ she recounted.
She further added, ‘I also started experiencing intense abdominal discomfort, and my appetite significantly decreased. I simply wasn’t feeling well.’ McShain delayed seeking medical attention for three to four weeks, fearing that if she consulted a doctor prematurely, her concerns might be dismissed as common constipation, easily manageable with over-the-counter remedies.
Diagnostic Process and Liver Involvement
Eventually, she underwent a blood analysis. While general health markers appeared within normal ranges, ruling out conditions like kidney disease or anemia, her liver function tests revealed ‘abnormally elevated’ levels of enzymes and proteins, indicating organ impairment. She was urgently referred to Christchurch Hospital for an ultrasound, which revealed multiple masses in her colon. Further investigations, including a biopsy, confirmed the diagnosis of colon cancer and the initial prognosis of one to five years of life expectancy.
Rapid Decline and Revised Prognosis
The significantly shortened life expectancy arose after her liver began to fail. Hospitalization became necessary when doctors suspected fluid accumulation in her abdomen. McShain experienced debilitating symptoms, including the inability to walk or turn over, and excruciating pain that brought her to tears. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to identify fluid pockets, but none were found.
McShain recounted the devastating news: ‘Unfortunately, later that afternoon, following discussions among the oncologists, they determined that all my symptoms were attributable to my cancer and liver failure, and not fluid buildup. This led them to inform me that I only had a few short days to a few short weeks to live.’
‘I fought as resolutely as I could, truly,’ she affirmed. ‘I find solace in knowing that my suffering will soon end.’
Rising Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults
Medical professionals and researchers have increasingly voiced concerns in recent years regarding the escalating rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50. A 2024 study by the American Cancer Society revealed that colorectal cancer diagnoses among adults younger than 55 have risen from one in ten cases in 1995 to one in five cases in 2019.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of colorectal cancer is paramount, as cancers identified in their nascent stages are frequently curable with surgery alone. However, delays in diagnosis are prevalent, partly because routine screening guidelines typically commence at age 45. This means individuals may live with progressively advancing cancer for several years without awareness until noticeable symptoms emerge.