Woman, 27, shares the one symptom doctors kept ‘dismissing’ before being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

When 27-year-old Rylie Toomey from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, started feeling off, she listened to her body—but her concerns were repeatedly brushed off.

Between planning her wedding and training for a half-marathon, Rylie was living her healthiest life. That’s why she was stunned when what felt like common stomach discomfort turned out to be stage four colon cancer—a disease typically associated with older adults.

🚨 A Pain No One Took Seriously

At first, doctors told her the recurring abdominal pain was just constipation. But things took a terrifying turn in April when the pain became unbearable.

“I felt like I was being stabbed… like I was going to explode,” Rylie told TODAY. “I thought I was going to die—that’s how bad it was.”

Rylie Toomey said doctors initially dismissed her symptoms (GoFundMe)

After finally getting more tests done, the shocking truth emerged: she had advanced colon cancer, one of the fastest-growing cancers among people under 50, according to the American Cancer Society.

❗ Why This Diagnosis Was So Unexpected

Rylie had no family history, didn’t smoke, maintained a healthy lifestyle, and avoided processed foods—yet she still got cancer. Her case challenges the stereotype that colon cancer is only a concern for the elderly or those with poor diets.

The 27-year-old has stage four colon cancer (GoFundMe)

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“I felt like I was dismissed because of my age,” she shared. “They didn’t take my pain seriously enough to suggest something like a colonoscopy.”

💍 Cancer Put Her Wedding on Pause—But Not Her Spirit

Because of ongoing treatment, Rylie had to postpone her dream wedding until June 2026. But she says that planning for it keeps her hopeful.

“It’s hard to stay positive, but the wedding gives me something joyful to look forward to,” she said.

💡 What We Can Learn From Rylie

Rylie is now using her story to raise awareness about colon cancer in young adults. Her message is clear:

“Push for answers. Trust your body. I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did.”

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support her during treatment.

🩺 Takeaway: Don’t Ignore Your Gut Feeling

Colon cancer isn’t just an “old person’s disease.” If something feels off, don’t stop pushing until you get real answers. You know your body best.

Need to talk to someone? Reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat—available 24/7.