Who was Dominique McShain? All about the influencer who died of colon cancer at 21

Dominique McShain was studying psychology at the University of Canterbury when she began noticing persistent fatigue and changes in her bowel habits in early 2024. After medical tests, including an ultrasound and biopsy, she received a diagnosis of advanced colorectal cancer that had already spread to her liver.

Dominique paused her studies and part-time HR job to focus on treatment, which included aggressive chemotherapy sessions for several months. Dominique McShain chose to share her journey publicly through social media, aiming to give a clear view of living with a terminal illness at a young age.

Also Read: The rose of streaming: How Spotify and YouTube reshaped pop stardom

---

Early signs and diagnosis of her illness

Dominique McShain first attributed her symptoms, abdominal discomfort and tiredness, to stress, but sought medical advice when they worsened. Tests revealed stage 4 colorectal cancer, an unexpected finding given her age and prior health.

By April 2025, she reported on Instagram that her liver was “failing rapidly to the point of jaundice,” and that she had “only a few days to a few weeks to live”. In one post, she wrote,

“My life may be short, but I genuinely think I’ve squeezed every bit out of it,”

Reflecting on the support of family and friends.

---

Sharing Dominique McShain's experiences online to raise awareness

Shortly after her diagnosis in May 2024, Dominique began posting videos on TikTok about her treatment, side effects, and emotional reflections.

In one video, she noted,

“I never got a chance to test before it was too late but if I did I 10000% would of,”

urging viewers to pay attention to the screening. Her candid style attracted comments from fellow patients, including one who said,

“I admire her strength and courage throughout her fight”.

Through straightforward updates, Dominique McShain highlighted common symptoms and treatment realities without sensationalising her experience.

Also Read: What is Vinny Guadagnino's net worth? Jersey Shore star says Chippendales gig earned him "the easiest money" of his career

---

Milestones with family and her husband’s tribute

Despite her prognosis, Dominique McShain married her partner Sean Suson in July 2024 in a small ceremony in Christchurch. The couple shared moments from their wedding and honeymoon, including a “07.12.24” photo captioned “Dominique & Sean here’s to forever”.

On April 26, 2025, Sean posted a 20-photo carousel on Instagram with the message,

“Our love can never be replicated nor erased, you will forever be a part of me.”

And added,

“I promise I’ll find you in the next one”.

His tribute included images of sunsets together, Dominique McShain singing on guitar, and her smiling in her wedding dress.

---

Her role in spotlighting early-onset colon cancer

Dominique's journey drew attention to a growing health concern: colorectal cancer among young adults under 50 has risen by about 1–2% per year in many countries. A recent Nature study suggests that early-life exposure to a bacterial toxin called colibactin may contribute to this trend.

In response, health agencies have lowered the recommended starting age for screening in some regions to 45 years. By speaking openly about her diagnosis; Dominique McShain encouraged symptom awareness and conversations around timely testing.

Dominique McShain’s decision to document her cancer journey offered a clear window into the challenges faced by young adults with a terminal diagnosis. Her posts combined personal reflection, with practical reminders about screening and support.

“I imagine myself without the constant suffering.”

Through her final days, she maintained a focus on honesty over sentiment, and her husband’s tribute underscored the personal losses behind the statistics.

Though she passed at 21, Dominique’s social media legacy continues to inform discussions on early-onset colorectal cancer and the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking timely care.

Also Read: Did Phoebe Gates seek business funding from her dad? Everything Bill Gates revealed