GREEN BAY, Wis. — The American Cancer Society is reporting the number of lung cancer deaths is declining, but doctors warn there’s an alarming increase in younger people being diagnosed with cancer. 

A 42-year-old Wisconsin woman said she’s still alive thanks to one life-saving action.

What You Need To Know

  • New cases of cancer in the U.S. are expected to cross the 2 million mark; that’s almost 5,500 cancer diagnoses a day

  • There's a rise in diagnoses of six of the 10 most common cancers — breast, prostate, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney and melanoma

  • Prevea Health gastroenterologist Dr. Chaitanya Pant said studies are showing an increasing incidence of younger people being diagnosed with GI cancers

It’s no surprise to find Elizabeth Lulloff in a hospital room. As a nurse anesthetist, she has worked in the medical field since 2002.

Lulloff is also an avid skier and runner, participating in multiple marathons.

But what almost stopped Lulloff from doing what she loved was subtle symptoms; something wasn’t quite right with her body.

“I had abdominal bloating. I had a change in bowel habits and more constipation. Ultimately, what kind of was very different for me was I had unusual rectal bleeding,” Lulloff said.

Lulloff immediately made an appointment with Prevea Health gastroenterologist Dr. Chaitanya Pant.

After a colonoscopy, the highly active, very fit 42-year-old was told cancerous polyps were detected. Lulloff said she was overcome with mixed emotions.

“There was a sense of relief and confirmation that there was something wrong. And it's still shocked [me]. I am now five weeks out and I’m still shocked,” Lulloff said.

It was a shock because Lulloff is outside the medical guidelines’ suggested age of 45 for a colonoscopy. The suggested age used to be 50. Pant said the age was lowered in the last few years.

“One of the big driving factors behind that was that younger people were being diagnosed with colon cancer more frequently,” Pant said.

Pant said colon cancer is the leading cause of death in males under 50 and the second leading cause of death in females under 50.

He said studies are showing an increasing number of younger people being diagnosed with other types of cancers.

“Breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer of the uterus, including endometrial and cervical cancer. This trend, we’re not really sure why it’s occurring, we kind of feel it’s a multifactorial process that has to do with diet, sedentary lifestyles,” Pant said.

Lulloff said she’s back to working on the other side of a hospital bed thanks to listening to her body.

“I was familiar and comfortable with myself to truly understand those small subtle changes and ultimately, understanding myself, I think saved my life,” Lulloff said.

Doctors urge people to get tested as soon as possible if something feels off. It may save your life.

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