LI dad beats ‘aggressive’ cancer — warns it can happen to any young person

Travis Travieso, a 37-year-old father of three from Long Island, was living an active life, regularly bench pressing 302 pounds, when he received a diagnosis of aggressive colon cancer in October. The diagnosis came as a shock, particularly as it mirrored the recent battle fought by actor James Van Der Beek, who succumbed to stage 3 colon cancer at age 48.

A Sudden Diagnosis

Travieso first sought medical attention after noticing blood in his stool, initially attributing it to a spicy meal enjoyed while on vacation. However, further investigation revealed a 7.3-centimeter (2.8-inch) tumor covering 90% of his colon. He recalled the difficulty of hearing his doctor explain he had a blockage.

Following the discovery, doctors at Northwell Health swiftly removed the stage 2 tumor. However, due to his young age and the aggressive nature of the cancer, Travieso underwent several weeks of chemotherapy. He described the chemotherapy as more challenging than the surgery itself, battling fatigue, nausea, and weakness while navigating difficult conversations with his children.

The Road to Recovery

Travieso endured chemotherapy throughout the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Finally, on February 12th, he was declared cancer-free after completing his sixth and final round of chemotherapy. “It means a lot. It means happiness. I beat it,” he said.

A Growing Trend in Younger Patients

Travieso is now focused on raising awareness, particularly among millennials, about the increasing incidence of colon cancer in younger adults. He urges people his age to get checked, emphasizing that it’s not solely a disease of older individuals. Dr. David Rivadeneira of Huntington Hospital has observed a significant increase in colon and rectal cancer cases in patients under 50, with a rise of 200 to 300% in the last decade. He noted that this was a rare occurrence when he began his training 30 years ago.

Dr. Rivadeneira has recently seen patients as young as 21 diagnosed with colon cancer. The cause of this trend remains unknown, though factors like poor diet, obesity, smoking, and family history are considered potential contributors. Early detection can be difficult, as symptoms may be subtle or absent, as was the case with Travieso.

While a colonoscopy remains the “gold standard” for screening, recommended starting at age 45, Dr. Rivadeneira suggests it may be beneficial for younger individuals experiencing changes in bowel habits or noticing blood. He emphasized that colon cancer is often curable, especially when detected early, and can frequently be treated with surgery alone, potentially avoiding the need for chemotherapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What symptoms did Travieso experience before his diagnosis?

Travieso initially noticed blood in his stool, which he initially dismissed. Prior to that, he felt strong and normal.

What is the current recommendation for colon cancer screening?

A colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for screening and is recommended starting at age 45, but may be worthwhile for those much younger experiencing symptoms.

How successful is treatment for colon cancer?

Dr. Rivadeneira stated that it’s a very curable cancer, especially when caught early, and often a straightforward surgery is sufficient.

What steps will you take to prioritize your health and well-being, considering the rising rates of cancer in younger adults?