Statistics indicate that colorectal cancer ranks as the second primary cause of deaths linked to cancer across the United States, where 153,020 individuals received diagnoses of the illness in 2023 and more than 52,000 succumbed to it.
The American Cancer Society explains that colorectal cancer originates in the colon. “Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth along the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths receive the name polyps.”
Polyps appear frequently and usually remain noncancerous, yet certain ones develop into cancer as years pass.
A woman from Texas and a mother of one, Radwah Oda, shared details of her struggle against colon cancer and highlighted symptoms that demand attention without delay.
Posting on TikTok, she encouraged everyone to prioritize their health with greater commitment.
Stool Changes
Oda described how one of the initial alterations she noticed involved her stool, which started to take on a more pencil-like shape. Initially, she viewed it as a minor issue, but she later recognized it as a clear warning signal that warranted consultation with a healthcare provider.
Additionally, she observed that her stool occasionally included traces of blood, which she linked to hemorrhoids, a factor many people tend to ignore. She further stated, “Every time I used the bathroom, I felt like I still needed to go. I kept pushing and pushing, but nothing would come out,” illustrating a persistent sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation.
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Unexplained Pain
The mother of one revealed that she began to encounter unexplained discomfort in her abdomen, a symptom numerous individuals facing colon cancer report having gone through.
With colon cancer, discomfort expands as the condition progresses. Oda initially sensed it beneath her right breast and reasoned, “I assumed my bra was too tight, even though it was only on one side.” This discomfort actually indicated that the cancer had extended to her liver, underscoring the importance of tracking unusual discomfort and pursuing professional medical evaluation when it continues.
Colorectal Cancer (CRC) infographic for education / Freepik
Chronic Fatigue
Oda mentioned that she experienced exhaustion nearly constantly, even after incorporating breaks into her routine throughout the day. “I would still need to nap several times during the day, and nothing really helped,” she pointed out.
Chronic fatigue serves as a prevalent indicator across various forms of cancer.
In her additional videos, Oda discussed further symptoms she encountered, such as abrupt weight reduction and diminished appetite.
“Until the doctors told me I had cancer, I blamed these symptoms on a ‘really bad stomach bug,’” she revealed.
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Raising Awareness
“If you have any of these symptoms, don’t worry, but go see a doctor,” she emphasized in her video.
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