Influencer Tanner Martin dead at 30 of colon cancer this was his first symptom

Utah-based influencer Tanner Martin, who died this week of colon cancer at the age of 30, said his five-year battle began with a single symptom.Martin was diagnosed with the disease, which occurs when cells in the colon grow out of control, in 2020 at the age of 25.While colon cancer is traditionally linked to older adults, diagnoses among younger people have skyrocketed in recent years.Oncologists have suggested that the concerning rise in youth cases and deaths could be due to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, the Western diet, excess sugar consumption and environmental factors such as pollutants in the air, soil and water.The exact causes are still unclear.Martin’s first symptom was a mild but persistent stomachache that began in 2020.

He said that the pain was not debilitating but made him feel unwell.Gastrointestinal medical oncologist Benny Johnson notes that some 15% of colon cancer patients report abdominal pain, described as an “intermittent crampy feeling.”Martin then began experiencing severe constipation.Though colon cancer can sometimes be asymptomatic, a change in bowel habits or stool — as well as rectal bleeding or weight loss — are among the classic symptoms.Experts maintain that constipation now and then isn’t a cause for concern, but if you’re normally regular — and then you’re stopped up for weeks or months at a time — that’s not normal and could be a sign that cancer is obstructing your bowels.“If you notice persistent diarrhea, constipation or a change in the shape, size, consistency or frequency of your stool, don’t simply brush it off as stress or diet changes,” Dr.

Cedrek McFadden, a colorectal surgeon based in South Carolina and medical adviser to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, previously told The Post.Also, watch for fatigue.A low red blood cell count, known as anemia, is present in 30% to 75% of colorectal cancer patients and can contribute to feelings of exhaustion.Despite Martin’s telltale s...