Colon cancer often develops quietly, showing few obvious signs at first—but paying attention to subtle changes in the body can be life-saving.
Radwah Oda, a mother from Texas, recently shared her personal experience with colon cancer on TikTok, highlighting five early symptoms she initially overlooked—symptoms she now urges others to take seriously.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2023 alone, about 153,020 people were diagnosed, and over 52,000 lost their lives to the disease. Most colorectal cancers begin in the colon or rectum as growths called polyps, which can sometimes turn cancerous over time.
Oda’s story serves as a crucial warning: recognizing the early signs could save lives.
1. Changes in Stool
Her first symptom was a noticeable shift in her stool, which became thinner and pencil-shaped. She also spotted small amounts of blood, initially assuming it was from hemorrhoids. Additionally, she described feeling as though she never fully emptied her bowels, a sensation she ignored at first but later realized was an early warning sign.
2. Unexplained Pain
Oda experienced unusual abdominal pain under her right breast, which she initially blamed on her bra. Later, doctors confirmed the discomfort was related to cancer spreading to her liver. Persistent or unexplained pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
3. Chronic Fatigue
Despite regular rest, Oda felt overwhelmingly tired throughout the day. Chronic fatigue can be an early symptom of colon cancer and should not be dismissed as mere exhaustion.
4. Sudden Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss is another red flag. Oda initially thought her shrinking appetite and weight loss were caused by a minor illness, but they were linked to her cancer diagnosis.
5. Loss of Appetite
Alongside weight loss, Oda noticed a significant reduction in appetite. Combined with other symptoms, this pattern indicated that something more serious was happening in her body.
Conclusion
Radwah Oda’s experience highlights the importance of paying attention to your body and acting on early warning signs. Stool changes, unexplained pain, chronic fatigue, sudden weight loss, and loss of appetite should never be ignored.
She encourages anyone noticing these symptoms to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Raising awareness about these early signs could make a life-saving difference for someone you care about.