Mark Sevillano Jr., a 41-year-old from California, thought his life was falling into place after three stressful years. However, his newfound sense of security took a drastic turn when he began experiencing swallowing difficulties.
At first, drinking plenty of water helped alleviate the issue, but it soon worsened, and Sevillano visited a doctor, who ordered a swallow test. The results led to an emergency room visit, where doctors discovered a mass in his lower esophagus, marking the beginning of his journey with Stage 2 esophageal cancer.
Sevillano’s diagnosis was unexpected, but he credits his transformation from stress to fitness to getting noticed by doctors earlier on. “If they would have said ‘You have a tumor,’ I would have freaked out a little more,” he says.
The experience led Sevillano to undergo four rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, followed by several months of recovery. He eventually had a second biopsy, which revealed the presence of cancer. Doctors then diagnosed him with esophageal cancer in June 2024.
According to research published in JAMA, gastrointestinal cancers in young people are increasing at an alarming rate. These diagnoses often occur in adults under 50 and can be attributed to factors such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, and an unhealthy diet.
Young adults diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers face poorer outcomes due to delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness about the importance of early detection. Sevillano’s story serves as a warning: “Don’t wait like I did; if something is wrong with your body, do not ignore it, but act on it right away.”
Sevillano credits his positive attitude and determination for helping him cope with his diagnosis and treatment. Despite the challenges he faced, he remains optimistic and encourages others to prioritize their health and seek second opinions when needed.
With no evidence of disease after several years of treatment, Sevillano continues to raise awareness about esophageal cancer in young adults and emphasizes the importance of proactive healthcare habits.
Source: https://www.today.com/health/disease/doctor-dismissed-esophageal-cancer-rcna224707