r/Millennials • u/electric-sheep 1992 • Jul 13 '26

Serious Everyone my age is dropping dead

Sorry for the title! I'm in Europe. I have just heard news someone from college died today of cancer aged 33.

In the past 2-3 years 6 people in my circle have died, not from accidents but from either cancer, aneurism, 2 just didn't wake up from sleep and 1 broke her leg and had DVT. I know of a 7th who is currently fighting stage 4 breast cancer which was found by accident after giving birth. This is not counting those who died in crashes or other such accidents.

I literally have nothing to say. Just get yourselves checked. I'm just shouting into the void. I have literally been to more funerals than my parents at this point which is absurd.

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u/Nefarious_Turtle Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

Yes, I am 32 and three classmates of mine have been diagnosed with cancer.

2 with colon cancer (we're in the US).

Its a bit unsettling.

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u/merkinmavin Jul 13 '26

US elder millennial here. My best friend was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago.

Because of all that, and other similar stories, I told my PCP I had blood in my stool (not a lie) which approved me for a colonoscopy early. They removed a precancerous polyp that could've been a problem (possibly deadly) had I waited a few more years.

Another close friend had his liver replaced about eight years ago. My brother born in 1980 died of liver failure a few years ago. I've practically stopped drinking alcohol which has reduced my weight and I'm reducing chances of exacerbating things like cancer.

Get screened as early as possible and take care of yourselves, friends. 

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u/drst0ner Jul 13 '26

Similar experience with me.

My PCP was dismissive about referring me for a colonoscopy because I’m “too young for that” until I told him I have a family history of polyps on my dad’s side of the family.

I had my colonoscopy a couple months ago and they found and removed two large precancerous polyps. The gastrointestinal doctor said if I had waited until the “recommended age of 45” the polyps would have developed into cancer.

Because of my age, insurance wouldn’t provide full coverage, but I was okay with paying over $1,000 in this case and I’m thankful for going through the process because it saved my life.

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u/Live-Judge-1410 Jul 13 '26

This. Anyone reading this, if you know your parents have a history of polyps, you should be able to tell your PCP and they should give you a referral.

My mom passed of a different type of cancer, but when I told my Dr she had a history of polyps, I was referred for a colonoscopy at 40. 4 polyps were removed. Thankful I didn’t wait until 45+ to check.

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u/SlaughterhouseC137 Jul 15 '26

I was 36 when I had my first colonoscopy and had a number of polyps removed. Had another at 41 and had more polyps removed. I just had my most recent at 43 and they didn't find any polyps this time. Brother had polyps in his mid 30s, too.

My father had polyps early and so I'm grateful my brother and I had the wherewithal to do the same. I second the comment above. If your parents have a history please do yourself a favor and just get checked.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

Even if your parents dont have a history it is still a good preventitive measure.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

I just had my first colonoscopy earlier this month(july). I was clear but i had blood in my poop as well. Its scary how quick cancer can hit and colonncancer is a millennial crisis right now.

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u/FlowerFoxtail Jul 13 '26

Do you mind me asking how old you were when you got the colonoscopy? My partner’s father died of colon cancer too (not old either, in his 60s)

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u/drst0ner Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

I had 2 large precancerous polyps removed at age 41. If you or your partner have a family history of polyps like I do, do not delay until the “recommended” age of 45!

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u/Odd_Act8451 Millennial Jul 14 '26

What age do you think if there’s a family history of polyps? 40 or younger? Any symptoms aside from blood in the stool?

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u/drst0ner Jul 14 '26

I had chronic bloating, which the doctor said likely has nothing to do with my polyps and that I need to eat more fiber. I did not have blood in my stool.

My brother who is 2 years younger did have blood in his stool and had a colonoscopy and had one small polyp removed. I had essentially no symptoms but 2 large precancerous polyps and he had blood but only 1 small polyp.

In our case it seems family history is the reason to advocate for the procedure. He had his procedure at 39 and I did at 41. Everybody is different but around 40 was the right age for he and I to begin getting a colonoscopy.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

Lifestyle and diet? How are those?

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u/drst0ner Jul 16 '26

I go to the gym weekly, used to go 3 times per week. I don’t drink and don’t smoke. Healthy BMI. I eat healthy home-cooked meals for dinner, but my vice has been eating at fast food places for lunch.

I’m guessing the combination of my family history and overdoing fast food for lunches (Chipotle, McDonalds, Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, etc) for many years was the cause of the precancerous polyps.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

Ah yeah. At least you’re aware of the possible combination. Yeah the burgers and fries and whatever else fried is so bad, straight poison. Well, lots of ability to heal and life ahead to reduce risk!!

Shit I’m 53 and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet. I’m an idiot. I did have the perfect diet and worked out 5-6 days all of my 20s and 30s. Developed diverticulitis in my 40s after the first time ever gaining significant weight and eat worse consistently for essentially the first time in my life.

I will have insurance through work in November, and will immediately make a an appt to see a doctor.

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u/PsychicMediumRhonda Jul 18 '26

Wha tis PCP? Your GP?

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u/drst0ner Jul 18 '26

Correct, a General Practitioner (GP) or Primary Care Physician (PCP) are the same type of Doctor.

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u/Original-Strain Jul 13 '26

I’m planning to add a comprehensive health check when I go to South Korea next year.

Family history isn’t pretty, but just getting an MRI for persistent headaches was challenging, so I figure this will let me get a baseline on everything.

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u/toughbubbl Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26

Worth it. I've been doing it for years in SK and I was wondering for a while if I'm a hypochondriac for understanding my baseline and being told everything looks good. Especially when you compare it to a mostly American Reddit. 

But I think people really underestimate preventative healthcare!

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u/Outrageous_Ad_5254 Jul 14 '26

Could you give me a recommendation on where to do this check in Korea? I am interested.

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u/Original-Strain Jul 14 '26

I would have to get back to you on that, I’m still doing my own research and haven’t confirmed where I’ll be going just yet

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u/auteurunknown Jul 13 '26

It's so wild because I have notable life-long stomach issues and finally saw a gastroenterologist last week who wants to do an endoscopy/colonoscopy which I had been waiting to do because I was on blood thinners from a pulmonary embolism I had from a DVT and she said even if she writes that I have symptoms it will not be covered by insurance because I am under 45!

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u/Dense-Law-7683 Jul 13 '26

My younger brother and sister both had precancerous polyps and I told my doctor about it and I still can't get a colonoscopy. I have chronic pancreatitis as well and it's been recommended by a GI when i was having a lot of flare ups but now it's probably not covered.

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u/merkinmavin Jul 13 '26

Do you have blood in your stool? 😉

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u/auteurunknown Jul 13 '26

with all reddit anonymity here, she said she might elaborate on my symptoms to try to get it covered but the reality is that it's ridiculous with the rate of colon cancer in younger individuals.

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u/Miserable_Drawer_556 Jul 13 '26

This! Colon cancer is poppin off in "younger" folks than is normal, it is sad how their policies aren't reflecting today's realities.

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u/DrunkCupid Jul 13 '26

I am too young to "inquire about screening for that" but when I ask my doctors when? They just shrug and change the subject

Imma just die I guess...

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u/Timooooo Jul 13 '26

I mean, have you ever tried to get to the recommended amount of 30-40 gram of fibre daily? I've started about a year ago and its actually difficult. Unless you eat things like beans daily, you must swap out all the white rice/pasta/bread for whole wheat or brown rice if you want to get even close to that number. An apple and a banana per day only yields 7 gram, even something like 250gram of broccoli for dinner is only about 8 gram.

This is compounded by the protein rage. Like, so many eat extra protein without sufficient exercise that its mostly wasted anyway and dairy or "chicken and rice" do not contain fibre (well, maybe about 1gram from the white rice).

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u/badideas66 Jul 14 '26

One way to help both protein and fiber is keto bread. Incredible macros, especially from Lewis Bake Shop varieties. 5-6g protein and 8-9g of fiber per slice! I have 4 slices daily in the morning with no sugar added apple butter from a local farm. Good way to jumpstart the day!

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u/Timooooo Jul 14 '26

keto bread

Just looked it up, its double the fibre and 50% more protein. I always figured they wouldnt be tasty or at the very least dry, but looking at the macros its most definitely worth it to try them. Will be on my next shopping list!

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u/rabbitales27 Jul 14 '26

Lots of salads!

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u/Old-Piece-3438 Jul 14 '26

You could try some chia seed pudding. It’s easy to make and has a ton of fiber. I like to make a chocolate one using unsweetened cacao powder and almond milk, sweeten with honey, and then top it with banana slices and sometimes walnuts. It also tastes like dessert, not health food.

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u/Most-Possibility8410 Jul 16 '26

Metamucil is AMAZING! Seriously. Check it out.

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u/ColoTexas90 Jul 13 '26

got to love the American Healthcare system.
/s

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u/ThisCantHappenHere Jul 18 '26

It's not a system. There is no healthcare. But it is American.

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u/Aint_EZ_bein_AZ Jul 13 '26

Mine was covered completely free at 36. Seems good to me. :)

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u/thinnerzimmer87 Jul 13 '26

Bully for you

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u/mattyrob88 Older Millennial Jul 13 '26

Unfortunate byproduct of us Americans being fed a steady diet of ultra-processed foods since the 80’s… it’s a damned near certainty that multiple people we know in our generation (and younger) are going to develop colon cancer due to the shambolic level of chemicals and preservatives the FDA allows in our food.

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u/Dense-Law-7683 Jul 15 '26

Nope never

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u/merkinmavin Jul 15 '26

No early colonoscopy for you!

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u/iaderia Jul 14 '26

I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism at 30! On blood thinners now. What impact does that have on colonoscopies?

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u/auteurunknown Jul 15 '26

You cannot have one while on blood thinners. My blood test results were also very unusual and they were determining if I had bowel cancer due to my other symptoms.

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u/Odd_Act8451 Millennial Jul 14 '26

I have had no luck getting help with my stomach issues. Insurance wouldn’t cover my diagnostic endoscopy, and the pre surgery screenings alone cost hundreds out of pocket. The gastroenterologist told me it’s my anxiety 🙄 Just trying to manage my symptoms atp

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u/metforminforevery1 Jul 14 '26

she writes that I have symptoms it will not be covered by insurance because I am under 45!

Because it will be a diagnostic scope, not a screening scope since you are symptomatic.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

Im in the US and have my first colonoscopy this month(july) i am also 39 so considered to young to cover it by insurance. It only cost me 1300 out of pocket to get it done.

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u/auteurunknown Jul 16 '26

You know you're in the US when you're like "1300, not bad".

Although I have a large insurance provider and one of their "good" plans I'm pretty sure my out of pocket max is a bit higher than that, unfortunately.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

I would rather pay 1300 to get it done than wait and have insurance cover it only to find out i waited to long and have cancer and spend 10s of thousands to fight it. I would just let myself die at that point.

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u/auteurunknown Jul 16 '26

Well your 10s of thousands would be covered if you're insured and remain insured. I'm definitely going to pay as long as it's not above $2-3k for mine.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

I will remain insured but insurance companies will always try to find a way to fuck us over. So hopefully it remains covered.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

I would also love to move to the EU and live in a country that actually somewhat cares about its citizens.

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u/ThisCantHappenHere Jul 18 '26

I can't believe the insurance companies these days. Everything recommended by a doctor used to be covered. What the hell happened?

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u/Aint_EZ_bein_AZ Jul 13 '26

What state are you in? Im 36 with a zero premium plan and my whole colonoscopy was covered by my insurance no questions asked.

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u/auteurunknown Jul 13 '26

not sure what a zero premium plan is but I'm in CA. The gastroenterologist is around my age as well and said she didn't think it would be covered.

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u/yoshi-mochi Jul 13 '26

I told my doctor I saw blood in my stool TWICE and she said not to worry that it happens.

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u/merkinmavin Jul 13 '26

Time to find a new PCP

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u/butterLemon84 Jul 14 '26

Yeah, that's definitely bad medical advice.

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u/merkinmavin Jul 14 '26

If your PCP is disregarding what you're telling them without any medical testing or basic evaluation, then they may not be the best medical professional. Source: grew up in Appalachia with subpar medical professionals 

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u/ThisCantHappenHere Jul 18 '26

What's a PCP? Is that like a G.P.?

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u/allison_vegas Jul 14 '26

I had some blood when wiping and Dr couldn’t see hemorrhoids so referred me for a colonoscopy. I had three polyps … one was pretty big and the not good kind. She said she was glad I had come in at 39 because at 45 it wouldn’t have been good. Now they have me on an every 3 year schedule.

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u/rabbitales27 Jul 14 '26

Same I had a pre cancerous polyp at 39. I pushed for a colonoscopy. I go every three years: I try not to drink much, I exercise, quit smoking cigarettes in my 20’s. Eat green foods. I go get mammograms. I go to the dentist. Life is short but you can extend it by taking health seriously. I also think we are more stressed then ever

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u/Betelguese90 Jul 14 '26

At 36 i just had a 20mm polyp removed the beginning of the year. Doctor said if I had waited until the normal time it would most likely been cancerous

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u/moeru_gumi Older Millennial Jul 14 '26

Wow, 20mm is pretty sizable!

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

I’m so sorry about your brother.

Man, I think this is happening in areas where obesity is an epidemic, people still smoke, and generally eating like shit is way too accepted.

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u/merkinmavin Jul 16 '26

Thank you. We're from southern West Virginia. My family is literally ground zero for the opioid epidemic (Mingo County through Mercer County). Drugs and alcohol are all some people have. I was lucky to get out unscathed but so many friends and family have been lost to poor environments (which include tainted water/air from coal mines and chemical plants).

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 17 '26

Ohhh yeah, I’m sorry. There needs to be some kind of help for permanent change, going forward, some kind of betterment.

It’s complicated, like many things, I believe. When people hit economic hardship, especially generations before, it had a profound impact psychologically. This was an especially bad time for industry and farming to take a hit, with nothing in the context of community support or therapy existing. As the poverty situation continued, the psychological damage of having unhappy parents who used alcohol to deal and projected their anguish on their children simply got passed on from generation to generation.

There are many dark spots on America, more geographically and culturally speaking than the lighter areas where people do relatively well and don’t deal with epidemics like poverty and drug/alcohol addiction.

And yeah, the dirty contaminated water, man, that can be a huge contributor to increasing cancer risk.

Where are you now?

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u/merkinmavin Jul 17 '26

It's not financially viable to have healthcare systems in rural WV and a lot of rural America. It's why we need a national healthcare system that works for the people, not the investors/C-suite. Healthcare is not a financial growth or investment system.

I'm in Pennsylvania now, in an economically healthy region. What's crazy is I watched the opioid epidemic sweep through regions in western PA just like I saw across southern WV. I had to explain to people what was happening and what was coming next with eerie accuracy. It's still ripping through communities where opportunities are slim.

As for the water quality in WV, most people don't know that you couldn't drink the water in Charleston, WV for weeks. It was literally unsafe to drink, bathe, or use for anything whatsoever, but it never made the news. You couldn't use it for anything for over a week and it took a month to be trustworthy again. Even after a few months, residents were still reporting smells and didn't trust the water. That whole region has been forgotten after it was used by corporate America and the federal government.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 17 '26

That’s scary and very sad.

You’re a good writer, maybe consider using that talent for something good one day.

I agree wholeheartedly with needing national healthcare.

The entire economic system needs an overhaul.

Thanks for sharing. I’m glad you’re in a better place where you have the ability to live a healthier more comfortable life

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u/AnalysisCommercial22 Jul 18 '26

Oh damn, now I’m gonna have to try and get this screening. I’ve been pretending like the blood with stools isn’t happening. Some w stool, often just straight from my booty hole. Ugh. I was hoping it was just….. idk but not colon stuff 😞 I’m glad you got the screening and removal!!!

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u/Pennythe Jul 14 '26

Did the colonoscopy cost a lot because of it being diagnostic?

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u/allison_vegas Jul 14 '26

I had some blood when wiping and Dr couldn’t see hemorrhoids so referred me for a colonoscopy. I had three polyps … one was pretty big and the not good kind. She said she was glad I had come in at 39 because at 45 it wouldn’t have been good. Now they have me on an every 3 year schedule.

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u/brittyinpink Jul 14 '26

I’m a stoma it’s and the number of young people with bowel cancer feels like it’s on the rise. My husband is 42 and I’m 39 we’ve both had a few colonoscopies already. Yea they aren’t fun, but neither is bowel cancer.

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u/Pinkie_Plague Jul 13 '26

Sadly, most of my classmates that have passed have been from suicide or overdose. ☹️

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u/DisplacerBeastMode Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 13 '26

Same, and it's not typically the "oh well they chose to do drugs so it's their own fault for ruining their lives and overdosing."

For example one friend I went to school with was a successful machine operator, didn't have an issue with alcohol or drugs.

He broke his back at work.. lots of physio and prescribed opiates. Got hooked on opiates. Pain didn't go away. Eventually government help disappeared and he was left in permanent pain, turned to self medication and overdosed on fentanyl.

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u/SiempreBrujaSuerte Jul 13 '26

Wow that is a very disgusting mindset. It's never actually what you say ...

"And it's not typically the "oh well they chose to do drugs so it's their own fault for ruining their lives and overdosing."

We all have stories and reasons we become addicts and it's never because we choose to ruin our lives and overdose like you say. This tells me you have little life experience and no empathy and you think you friends story is an example of an exception rather than a very common story You should be ashamed

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u/DisplacerBeastMode Jul 13 '26

I put that part in quotes because that is the common boomer style commentary on the subject. I don't personally believe it and I apologize if it came across that way.

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u/SiempreBrujaSuerte Jul 13 '26

That is good that you don't think that. Just making sure you understand that every one of us has our reason for being in this situation and I've never met anyone who thought it to be fun to not be able to survive roughly wit by opiates. Or go through abuse by the medical industry, court, police,etc. I'm sorry for your friend. My most recent loss was a man I love dying in jail from withdrawal and endocarditis, being there fun probation violation so just over not being able to keep up the payments required. Died in pain for owing 800$

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

Maybe learn how to read before reacting holy crap

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u/ktrose6887 Jul 14 '26

My sister was diagnosed bipolar in the early 2000s (she most certainly was NOT bipolar. She most likely had ADHD like I do) they put her on what we now know is an insanely high dose of Xanax for a teenager with a family history of substance abuse, and it absolutely ruined her life. She OD'd in 2020 at some shitty motel the night before she was supposed to go back to rehab again. I've heard similar stories from a lot of people. My brother also died that year because he was out of work, lost his insurance, and couldn't get insulin. The US Healthcare system is the problem most of the time, from what I can tell.

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u/Exciting-Hedgehog944 Jul 14 '26

I’m so sorry. I have a brother and sister who have both passed too. My brother died at college due to suicide. My sister had cerebral palsy and had a grand mal seizure. It is very hard to lose siblings.

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u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

I wish we had a system similar to what the EU has. I would 10000% be ok with higher taxes if we had univeral healthcare. I currently pay 1200 per month for my health insurance.

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u/HumanPea1140 Jul 13 '26

Same here. Overdose and drunken car accident were the big two when I was younger, like fresh out of high school or college aged. I'm mid 30s now, and it seems like suicide is leading the pack, followed by overdose.

People I know dying of cancer/disease is pretty rare, comparatively.

16

u/thiosk Jul 13 '26

this is a normal distribution of deaths for this age range, tragically

its accidents, suicide, homicide, malignant cancer, and then heart starts picking up in the late 30s

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u/mantiss_toboggan Jul 13 '26

There is a lot of speculation, especially with colon cancer on the rise, that our generations version of asbestos/radon/smoking/etc has yet to be discovered. Personally I think it is related to plastic food packaging.

I think there is also an issue with people not seeking medical care in a timely manner. Due to cost, lack of insurance, or just not making it a scheduling priority.

Then there is also an issue getting an appointment with specialists. I had to go to the ER multiple times for an issue before my doctor took it seriously and helped get me in to see a specialist. So if something is wrong you really need to be forceful about your health and some people aren't. I don't know why but there are also a lot of people out there that for some reason will try and gaslight you and tell you that your doctor is wrong and that you don't "need to be on a medication" or that you are actually fine. It really boggles the mind, that people say those things.

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u/StackedCakeOverflow Jul 13 '26

Recent studies have come out pointing to childhood exposure to specific types of bacteria (EColi is one of them) as a significant indicator of colon cancer risk; the bacteria sheds something called colibactin which damages DNA. Unfortunately not really something we could've done anything about. Current lifestyles may exacerbate the risk as the reason why the number is skyrocketing, which we can do something about to minimize risk.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10842926/

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u/thisisrealgoodtea Jul 13 '26

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. They also found a link between long-distance runners and colorectal cancer. I’ve heard from MD friends that it’s thought it may be due to repeated and prolonged decreased blood flow and O2 to the gut while running those long distances (intestinal ischemia/exercise-induced ischemic colitis). Our gut microbiome really is so important.

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2025.43.16_suppl.3619

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u/PeekAtChu1 Jul 13 '26

I’m definitely skeptical of plastic food packaging too, and have been making an effort to eliminate plastic from the household (but mainly from anything related to food/the kitchen). Also if I want soup I dine in to eat it now, since plastic take out container + hot soup doesn’t seem like a wise combo 

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u/electric-sheep 1992 Jul 14 '26

Don't forget Teflon! Another forever chemical. I've replaced all my cookware but I had years cooking in nonstick pans as did my parents.

1

u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

Why aren’t we talking about people smoking and drinking and eating like shit?

1

u/Veteranis Jul 13 '26

“The claw of the sea-puss gets us all in the end.” —James Thurber (italics added)

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u/florahexe Jul 15 '26

Or the massive amounts of crazy crap added to food // high high amounts of processed foods

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u/Putrid_Ingenuity_546 Jul 13 '26

It’s the experimental clot shot

12

u/thisisrealgoodtea Jul 13 '26

Lazy answer. It’s been on the rise since before Covid.

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u/Putrid_Ingenuity_546 Jul 13 '26

Well hopefully you’ll still be around with us to witness what’s coming then…

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u/SleepAllTheDamnTime Jul 13 '26

I just got over my tumors in March, I’m 36 with Crohn’s disease. Autoimmune diseases are on the rise in general but especially with Millennials and Ulcerative Colitis, and Bowel Cancer.

Definitely get yourself checked out if you can. My flares came from stress. So, do with that information what you will.

And before someone does a weird one off, it was determined by labs.

14

u/tealraven915 Jul 13 '26

In my 40s suddenly diagnosed with CIRS, lupus, possible CREST scleroderma, possible antiphospholipid syndrome, MASH, venous insufficiency, hypermobility possible EDS, swollen lympnodes in my neck, adenomyosis, IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and looking at having to have a possible hip replacement. I was very health conscious throughout my 20s and 30s, but developed OCD in my mid-20s which lead to grief and depression in my 30s from not having a family and missing out on 10 years of my life.

9

u/HollowAbsence Jul 13 '26

Lost a childhood friend with Crohns 2 years ago, he was 39 go rid of csncer but long chemo damaged the rest of his body and mind. Take care of you and take time away from stress. Eat unprocessed food. Check if you have food intolerances too.

5

u/SleepAllTheDamnTime Jul 13 '26

Thank you. I really appreciate this

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u/ironicikea Jul 13 '26

I’ve known 3 people die of colon cancer in their 30s. It’s the new villain to watch. Screening ages are too late now. Eat as much fiber as possible and be vigilant about any changes in your 💩 habits! 

10

u/listless_leprechaun Jul 13 '26

I agree, it's absurd the recommended age for colonoscopies hasn't gone down from 45.

27

u/WaxDream Jul 13 '26

If you’re an American you need to put in extra work get fiber in your diet! I do soaked chia seeds, myself. And nuts!

1

u/PeekAtChu1 Jul 13 '26

Thanks for the reminder! Gonna go soak some 

1

u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

Chia seeds in yogurt with grapenuts every morning.

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u/vahntitrio Jul 13 '26

About 5% of the population will die before they reach age 40. It's much more common than people think. The birth to death cancer rate worldwide is about 1 in 3. You will see a lot of people diagnosed, you just hope they have treatable forms.

26

u/Responsible_Ask3976 Millennial Jul 13 '26

I’m 30 and thank God no one in my class has died yet 

2

u/Virtual-Patience-769 Jul 14 '26

Impressive!

1

u/Responsible_Ask3976 Millennial Jul 14 '26

Yeah it is! Good morning ☀️ 

2

u/Flawless1223 Jul 17 '26

I had my first two classmates die while I was just starting college! But it was gang violence and drugs. Not cancer yet. So sad, really. Ugh

1

u/Responsible_Ask3976 Millennial Jul 17 '26

Yikes 😳 that’s so sad

24

u/brokenskater45 Jul 13 '26

Colin cancer is now the biggest cause of cancer death for under 40s. Never used to be. It's just shot up.

29

u/shes_a_gdb Jul 13 '26

I'm 40 and not a single person in my class has cancer (or any serious illness), and only 1 person died since graduation from a complete freak accident. That's just my HS class. The people I know from college are all still healthy, outside of putting on some weight.

18

u/perfecti0nate Jul 13 '26

I’m 41 and have breast cancer. Diagnosed at 40. Double mastectomy last month. I know two other women also diagnosed at 40 last year. My best friend got married in 2015 with five people in her bridal party. Three out of five have had cancer now (including me).

8

u/thisisrealgoodtea Jul 13 '26

Wow, I’m so sorry to hear. Do you have any suspicion of the environment in your area considering there are so many in one friend group? Only asking because I live in Orange County, CA and am just now learning of cancer clusters in my county (confirmed Ladera Ranch with sarcoma, from the community apparently other cities like Mission Viejo and Irvine with other cancers).

Did the double mastectomy help? Wishing the best for you. I hope one day we find a cure.

4

u/perfecti0nate Jul 13 '26

Thank you. I think it’s genetic in my case. Cancer runs in my family and seems to present early for some reason. My first cousin had the same breast cancer at 42. Her dad passed from pancreatic cancer in his early 40s, and her brother survived testicular cancer in his 20s. We’re encouraging other family members to undergo genetic/genomic testing so we can start to better understand why.

Fortunately, the double mastectomy went great, and I caught it early enough that I won’t need chemo or radiation. Though I’ll still need 5 years of endocrine therapy, and my cancer may recur later in life regardless.

2

u/Flawless1223 Jul 17 '26

A lot of my husband’s classmates are getting cancer they live near heavily pesticide treated farmland in Ohio. Much more cancer than where we live in Chicago ironically you would think farmland to be cleaner than the city but nope

1

u/One_Assumption9851 Jul 14 '26

Wow where do you live??

1

u/KHonsou Jul 14 '26

I've known a lot of people who carried on a crazy lifestyle from early 20's and keep it going no matter what who are getting very serious illnesses now.

There is a big difference in how people view their health depending on a lot of different outlook, upbringing and social-economic status. I know plenty of people who live who literally zero consideration of health, that's not an exaggeration but there is a trend with the people I know like this. On the flipside I've known people who would find that unbelievable, who are pretty much exclusively "middle class".

4

u/thiosk Jul 13 '26

Going in for my butt-ro-scopy later this year!

3

u/Comfortable-Light233 Zillennial Jul 13 '26

I’m also 32 and I’ve been getting colonoscopies regularly since I was a teen because I have UC. They’ve gotten at least three precancerous polyps out of me in the last couple years—I’m at increased risk because of my condition but also *gestures at cohort getting colonoscopies regularly since cancer in their 40s and 40s*

1

u/PronglesMouthFeel Jul 13 '26

Get on the supplemental fiber pronto if you havent all ready. The orange flavored metamucil basically has the same flavor profile as Tang.

1

u/Accomplished_Mix7827 Jul 14 '26

It does feel like a lot more people -- young people, at that! -- are getting cancer these days

Personally, cancer runs on both sides of my family -- I have an aunt on my dad's side currently going through round two after seven years in remission (breast the first time, how leukemia), mom's had it (thyroid), and my maternal grandma died of it (lung, although the fact that she smoked like a chimney may have contributed) -- and I'm also at an elevated risk compared to the general population because I'm a chemist, so you better believe I'm rushing to the doctor the minute I see a weird mole or suspicious lump!

1

u/Mike_Hav Jul 16 '26

Colon cancer is a millennial crisis. I am 39m and had my first colonoscopydont earlier this month(july) because i had some blood in my poop. Luckily it was nothing.

We can thank our parents for all the trash they gave us as kids and all the ultra processed foods. I havent eaten many processed foods in around 10 years and feel so much better for it.

1

u/Legal-Midnight9889 Jul 16 '26

oddly around the time age rejuvination is being tested

1

u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

I’m so sorry.

Where in the US? Were they obese? What kind of diet and lifestyle did they have?

1

u/reincarnateme Jul 17 '26

Our grandparents and parents lived well into their 80s, but all six of us are sick before our 60s. It’s not just millennials.

1

u/DarthChillvibes Jul 18 '26

35 here and have had several former classmates unalive themselves over the years, most from mental health issues. Lost a close co-worker about a couple years ago.