The topic may not be easy to talk about, but people are dying because they don’t want to be embarrassed. Andria Devlin shares her story, how she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 42. Her regret, “I waited way too long”.
She knew something wasn’t right, but she didn’t have any family history of colon cancer or any risk factors. Her bowel movements were on the irregular side and was often constipated, but it wasn’t concerning.
Then she noticed her bowel movements had mucus and intermittent bleeding, but she thought it was probably hemorrhoids. Since she didn’t have any weight loss or stomach issues and her labs all looked fine. She was in her early 40s, didn’t smoke, she was active, ate well, and exercised. She didn’t even think about having cancer.
It took Andria a long time to go to the doctor, it wasn’t until she noticed blood every time she had a bowel movement. She eventually told her OB, who did a rectal exam and scheduled her for a colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, the doctor found a tumor, with 80 to 85% blockage. Because she waited so long, her stage 4 colorectal cancer had spread to both her lungs.
Andria went through chemo treatments and had to have stereotactic body radiotherapy for a spot on her lung.
Luckily, after some time and intense treatments, she has clear scans and is cancer free. She warns people not to be embarrassed about talking about the bowel movements, it could save your life!
The third most diagnose cancer in the U.S. is colorectal cancer and the third leading cause of deaths related to cancer in American women and men combined, according to the CDC.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of colon cancer
Rectal bleeding is the most common warning sign. Whether it is a darker maroon color or bright red, if you notice blood mixed in with your stool or on the toilet paper, tell your doctor.
“Rectal bleeding is something, believe it or not, people can ignore for very long periods of time,” said Dr. Alfred Neugut, a cancer epidemiologist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in a Today article. “It can be intermittent, so you might have it one day and then it’ll go away for a few weeks and then you’ll get it again. So in-between, you’ll think you’re OK.” But you may not be.
Iron Deficiency anemia
Your body looses iron when a tumor from colon cancer bleeds. Most people don’t even notice, but a blood test can reveal anemia.
Abdominal Pain
There are many things that can cause abdominal discomfort or pain. A tumor can cause cramps, blockage or a tear. It is important to consult your doctor.
Narrow Stools
It is also important to notice any change in your bowel habits. Having thinner than usual stools on a regular basis may suggest a tumor. It is sometimes called stool caliber.
Unproductive urge to go to the bathroom
The feeling like you need to empty your bowels, but no stools pass, is called tenesmus. It may be a tumor causing this to happen.
Unexplained weight loss
Cancer has a way of using your body to prevent the absorption of nutrients from food, causing unexplained weight loss.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the colon, polyps, Colon cancer, hemorrhoids, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, and Diverticular disease.
Preventative screening and testing help detect diseases and conditions in their early and most treatable stages. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.
Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida was founded in 1996. Our mission is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care with the latest technology available.
Our medical team consists of skilled, Board Certified Gastroenterology Physicians. We work with you, your primary care physician, and your insurance company to ensure a treatment protocol that is designed to meet your specific needs.