At 42, single mom Shannon Ivey thought her fatigue, weight loss, and gut issues were just a strange phase of early menopause. Life was busy, money was tight, and like many moms, she was used to putting her own health last. Then came the diagnosis she never expected: rectal cancer.

Shannon’s story—recently shared in an AOL.com feature and in her memoir—has struck a chord with women who feel dismissed when they say, “Something’s not right.” It’s a powerful reminder that not every midlife symptom is “just hormones,” and that trusting your instincts can be lifesaving.

Portrait of a woman in her 40s looking thoughtful, representing cancer awareness
Shannon Ivey first thought her symptoms were related to menopause before learning she had rectal cancer at 42. (Image source: AOL / Yahoo News)

In this guide, we’ll walk through what happened to Shannon, why rectal and colon cancer are rising in younger adults, what symptoms to watch for, and how you can advocate for your health without panicking or assuming the worst.


When Menopause Isn’t Menopause: Understanding the Overlap in Symptoms

Midlife can be a confusing time physically. Perimenopause—the years leading up to menopause—can cause:

  • Changes in menstrual cycles
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Sleep problems and fatigue
  • Mood swings, anxiety, or low mood
  • Weight changes and bloating

Some of these symptoms overlap with early signs of colorectal and rectal cancer, which may include:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
  • Abdominal discomfort or cramping
  • Fatigue and feeling “run down”
  • Iron-deficiency anemia (often from slow internal bleeding)
“This whole time, I thought it was some weird menopausal thing,” Shannon said. “I kept pushing through, because that’s what single moms do.”

It’s completely understandable to assume your 40s symptoms are hormone-related—especially if you’re juggling work, kids, and stress. But when symptoms are new, persistent, or just feel “off,” it’s important not to self-diagnose everything as menopause.


Shannon’s Story: From “Gut Issues” to Rectal Cancer Diagnosis at 42

According to the AOL.com report, Shannon Ivey began having what she called “gut issues”—digestive changes, weight loss, and general discomfort. She was busy raising kids as a single mom and, like many women, she initially brushed it off.

Over time her symptoms continued, and eventually she sought medical help. Further evaluation led to a colonoscopy, where doctors found rectal cancer. Her world changed overnight: she went from managing carpools and bills to facing surgery, treatment decisions, and the emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis.

A patient holding hands with a healthcare professional in a clinic
Many women delay care because they assume symptoms are “just stress” or hormones, or because they’re busy caring for others.

Shannon has since documented her journey in a memoir, talking candidly about navigating treatment, parenting through illness, and learning to advocate for herself in the healthcare system. Her main message: if something feels wrong, keep speaking up.

“I had to learn to be the squeaky wheel,” she writes. “Not because I wanted attention, but because my kids needed me to be here.”

The Bigger Picture: Rising Colorectal and Rectal Cancer in Younger Adults

Shannon’s story isn’t isolated. Over the past decade, major cancer organizations—including the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute—have reported a rise in colorectal cancers in people under 50. Rectal cancer, in particular, has been increasingly diagnosed in adults in their 30s and 40s.

Research as of 2024 suggests several contributing factors:

  • Dietary patterns: High intake of processed meats and ultra-processed foods, and low fiber intake, are linked with increased colorectal cancer risk.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Prolonged sitting and limited physical activity may raise risk.
  • Obesity and metabolic health: Excess body weight and insulin resistance are established risk factors.
  • Gut microbiome changes: Emerging evidence suggests alterations in gut bacteria might play a role, though this is still being studied.
  • Genetics: Some younger patients have inherited conditions (like Lynch syndrome), but many do not.

This doesn’t mean every young person is at high risk, but it does mean healthcare providers—and patients—need to take persistent bowel symptoms seriously, even in the early 40s or younger.


Rectal Cancer Symptoms Women Often Miss or Misattribute

Rectal cancer can be subtle at first. Symptoms can develop slowly and may be mild or intermittent. Here are signs that deserve attention, especially if they last more than a few weeks:

  1. Changes in bowel habits
    New constipation, diarrhea, narrower stools, or a feeling that you can’t fully empty your bowels.
  2. Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
    Bright red blood on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl, or dark/tarry stools. Many people assume it’s “just hemorrhoids,” but it should always be evaluated.
  3. Persistent abdominal discomfort
    Cramping, gas, or pain that doesn’t match your usual pattern of IBS, period cramps, or food sensitivity.
  4. Unexplained weight loss
    Losing weight without trying, especially if combined with bowel changes or fatigue.
  5. Ongoing fatigue or anemia
    Feeling weak, short of breath on mild exertion, or being told you have iron-deficiency anemia without an obvious cause.
  6. Sensation of pressure or fullness in the rectum
    A feeling of “something there,” or pain during bowel movements.
Woman sitting on a bed holding her stomach, experiencing abdominal discomfort
Bowel changes and abdominal discomfort are common—but if they are new, persistent, or worsening, they should be checked out.

Menopause vs. Rectal Cancer: How to Tell When to Push for More Testing

Because symptoms can overlap, it helps to look at the pattern, timing, and combination of what you’re experiencing. Here’s a simplified comparison to guide your conversation with your clinician—not to self-diagnose:

Doctor explaining medical results to a patient using a chart or tablet
A clear conversation with your clinician about patterns and persistence of symptoms can help distinguish hormone changes from something more serious.

More typical of perimenopause:

  • Irregular periods or changes in flow
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Sleep disturbance and mood changes
  • Gradual weight gain around the middle

More concerning for colorectal/rectal issues:

  • New, persistent bowel changes (over several weeks)
  • Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Ongoing abdominal or rectal pain
  • Iron-deficiency anemia without a clear cause

It’s also possible to have both perimenopausal symptoms and an unrelated digestive issue at the same time. That’s why dismissing everything as “just menopause” can be risky.


5 Practical Steps If Your “Menopause” Symptoms Don’t Feel Right

You don’t need to be an expert in rectal cancer to protect yourself. You just need to notice patterns, trust your instincts, and communicate clearly. Here are actionable steps:

  1. Track your symptoms for 2–4 weeks
    Use a notebook or app to log bowel habits, bleeding, pain, weight changes, and energy levels. Concrete details help clinicians see trends.
  2. Schedule a dedicated appointment
    Ask specifically for a visit to discuss bowel changes or rectal bleeding, not just a quick add-on to another concern.
  3. Use clear, specific language
    Instead of “my stomach is weird,” say “I’ve had diarrhea 4–5 times a day for 3 weeks,” or “I’ve lost 10 pounds in 2 months without dieting.”
  4. Ask directly about further testing
    If symptoms are persistent, you might say: “Given my continuing symptoms, should we consider blood work, stool tests, or a colonoscopy?”
  5. Seek a second opinion if you feel dismissed
    Respectful clinicians welcome second opinions. If you’re told it’s “just stress” or “just hormones” but your body says otherwise, it’s okay to see another provider.
Woman writing notes in a journal while sitting at a table
Keeping a simple symptom diary can make your medical visits more productive and can help catch patterns earlier.

Screening and Prevention: What You Can Do Now

While you can’t control every risk factor, you can lower your risk and improve your odds of catching problems early. Key steps include:

  • Know your screening age: Most average-risk adults should start colorectal cancer screening at 45. If you have a strong family history or genetic condition, you may need to start earlier—discuss this with your doctor.
  • Consider your screening options: These may include colonoscopy, stool-based tests (such as FIT or stool DNA tests), or other imaging as appropriate. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it allows polyp removal during the test.
  • Adopt gut-friendly habits: A diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes), regular movement, limiting processed meats, avoiding smoking, and moderating alcohol all support colon health.
  • Stay up-to-date on guidelines: Recommendations can evolve as new data emerge. Checking reputable organizations every few years helps you stay informed.

Emotional and Practical Obstacles: Why Many Women Delay Care

Shannon’s experience as a single mom highlights a painful reality: knowing something is wrong and being able to act on it are two different things. Common barriers include:

  • Time and caregiving demands that make appointments feel impossible.
  • Financial worries about copays, lost work time, or lack of insurance.
  • Fear of bad news—the sense that “if I don’t know, it’s not real.”
  • Past experiences of being dismissed or told symptoms are “all in your head.”
“I kept thinking I’d go after the next paycheck, after the next school event,” Shannon reflected. “There’s always a reason to wait—until suddenly there isn’t.”

Acknowledging these obstacles doesn’t mean giving up. It means you’re human—and it can help you get creative about solutions.


Moving Forward: Listening to Your Body Without Living in Fear

Shannon Ivey’s story is not meant to scare you into seeing every hot flash or stomach cramp as cancer. Most midlife symptoms have far more common explanations. But her journey is a clear reminder that:

  • You deserve to be taken seriously when you say, “Something feels wrong.”
  • Rectal and colon cancer can affect younger adults, including women in their 40s.
  • Early detection often means more treatment options and better outcomes.
  • Advocating for yourself is an act of love—for you and for the people who rely on you.
Woman standing by a window looking out with a hopeful expression
Listening to your body and asking for answers is not overreacting—it’s responsible self-care.

If you’ve been telling yourself, “It’s probably just menopause,” but your gut keeps whispering otherwise, consider this your gentle nudge to make that appointment, start that symptom log, or ask for that referral.

Your health is not a luxury or an afterthought. It’s the foundation that allows you to show up for everyone else—and for yourself.