Miss North Carolina Carie Everett Dies at 22

The community is mourning the loss of Carie Everett, the 22-year-old who made history as the first Liberian American and HBCU student to be crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024. Her passing, after a courageous battle with signet ring cell carcinoma, is shining a stark light on a growing and concerning trend: the rise of early-onset cancers in young people.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Faith

Her family shared the heartbreaking news via her Instagram, stating, “We are heartbroken to share that last night, the beautiful nightingale, Helen Carrie Everett, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.” They remembered her for her inspiring spirit, her advocacy, and her unwavering faith, noting her final words were a proclamation of God’s goodness.

Everett’s journey with cancer began shortly after she relinquished her Miss North Carolina crown in June 2025. Initially diagnosed with pneumonia due to persistent bloating and a cough, further tests revealed aggressive masses in her pelvic area, leading to the devastating cancer diagnosis. She shared her fear and shock with ABC11 in September 2025, but also her determination to hold onto her faith.

The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Cancers

Carie Everett’s story tragically underscores a trend that scientists are increasingly observing: a significant rise in cancers diagnosed at younger ages. These are often referred to as ‘early-onset’ cancers. The American Cancer Society reports a startling 82% higher cancer rate in women under 50 compared to their male counterparts, representing a 51% increase since 2002.

Cancers like colorectal, breast, and kidney cancer are among the more than 10 types of cancer showing a notable increase in adults between 20 and 50. Experts like Dr. Andrea Cercek from Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Cancer Center note that many health issues are manifesting at younger ages than in previous generations.

Potential Causes and Prevention

While the exact causes remain under investigation, researchers like Dr. Cercek and Dr. Shanthi Sivendran from Yale’s cancer center hypothesize that environmental factors could be playing a significant role. However, a single definitive cause, or ‘smoking gun,’ has yet to be identified. This uncertainty makes prevention and early detection even more critical.

Medical professionals are urging everyone, especially young adults, to be proactive about their health. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, crucially, undergoing regular screenings with primary care providers. A family history of cancer can be an additional risk factor, making consistent check-ups even more important.