Colorectal cancer, which originates in the colon or rectum, ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide. The good news is that it is highly preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. While factors like family history, a diet high in red meat and trans fats, and obesity increase risk, age is no longer a definitive barrier. Alarmingly, more young individuals are now being diagnosed with this condition. Drawing from accounts shared on the MD Anderson Cancer Center website, here are the initial symptoms experienced by six survivors.
Beyond Age: A Range of Early Warning Signs
The stories of these survivors highlight that symptoms can vary widely and should never be ignored, regardless of a person's age.
Anatole Karpovs, M.D., a pediatrician, was just 37 when diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. He recalls experiencing bloody stools, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits for months. "As a busy doctor with a family, I didn't have time to be sick," he said, explaining how he minimized his symptoms until they became too persistent to ignore.
Robert Harris, a 76-year-old retired army veteran, noticed dark stools and mild lower abdominal pain. His family doctor initially suspected appendicitis, but a digital exam revealed blood in his stool, leading to his stage III diagnosis.
Courtney Nash was 35 and a sugar cane farmer from Harlingen, Texas, when diagnosed with stage III cancer. She had a long history of digestive issues due to ulcerative colitis. However, after her second child's birth, her symptoms worsened dramatically. "I started dropping weight, losing my hair, and even passing blood occasionally," she shared.
Symptoms Often Mistaken for Common Issues
Many early signs of colorectal cancer are mistakenly attributed to less serious conditions, leading to dangerous delays.
Catherine Wright, a 33-year-old expectant mother from Florida, began suffering from severe constipation during her pregnancy. "Each night, I'd wake up with an urgent need but was unable to empty my bowels. It was annoying and interfered with my sleep," she explained. This was her first indicator of the disease.
Jaystan Davis's case shatters the myth that colorectal cancer only affects the elderly. Diagnosed at just 19 with stage IV cancer, he initially blamed his inconsistent stools on dietary changes. "I was scared and very confused," he admitted.
Kenneth Rolston, M.D., a 66-year-old infectious diseases specialist, experienced unexplained weight loss and fatigue. "I'd been losing weight steadily for about four months... and I was not trying to," he said. His wife's concerned observation—"You are literally melting away before my eyes"—finally prompted him to seek medical help, leading to a stage I diagnosis.
Expert Advice: When to See a Doctor
Gastroenterologist David Richards, M.D., emphasizes that while symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and fatigue are common and non-specific, certain red flags demand immediate medical attention.
He lists the following alarming signs:
- Rectal bleeding
- Black, sticky, or tarry stools
- Severe fatigue that impedes daily activities
- Low blood count or iron-deficiency anemia
- Unintentional weight loss
"Things like diarrhea and constipation are so general," Dr. Richards notes. "None of them necessarily means that you have colorectal cancer. But if a symptom is persistent, rather than a one-time issue, it should at least warrant a conversation with your doctor." He strongly advises that symptoms like rectal bleeding, black stools, and anemia should prompt an immediate visit to a healthcare professional if not already evaluated. The key takeaway for everyone is clear: do not wait. Early consultation can save lives.
