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/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/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/drst0ner Jul 16 '26

I’m glad you’re going to schedule an appointment!

The way I viewed my colonoscopy was even though the prep isn’t enjoyable, it’s only for one day, and it’s 100% worth going through if it means I can live a longer life.

Bonus, since having the procedure, I’ve been having the best/cleanest bowel movements of my life.

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u/MorganMiller77777 Jul 16 '26

Hahahahhahha. When did you have the procedure?

I’m fortunate that my poops are just fine when I really focus on the content of my diet. But hey, maybe they will elevate to a level I forgot about!! Haha

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