A 34-year-old man’s battle with stage four colon cancer has highlighted the importance of not ignoring unusual symptoms. Joe Faratzis was diagnosed six years ago and is still living with the condition, sharing his story on TikTok.
Colorectal cancer affects over 141,000 people in the US each year, claiming 52,967 lives. To avoid such a devastating outcome, experts stress the need to listen to one’s body.
According to Faratzis, the beginnings of his condition started with mild abdominal pain that appeared periodically. He initially dismissed it as a minor issue and didn’t pursue further testing, including a CT scan.
However, six months later, he noticed bright red blood spots on his toilet paper, which he initially wrote off as a fissure or hemorrhoids. It wasn’t until he passed gas and saw blood that he started taking his symptoms seriously.
Faratzis’s experience was a costly mistake. His initial diagnosis revealed stage II colorectal cancer, but further testing showed the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. He is now undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to manage his condition.
His story serves as a warning to others to be more proactive about their health. “Listen to your body” and seek medical attention if you notice any unusual symptoms, he urges. Experts stress that early detection is key in combating colon cancer.
If you or someone you know is affected by colon cancer, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 for confidential support.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/health/man-incurable-colon-cancer-ignored-symptoms-021050-20241209