A young father received a diagnosis of stage four colon cancer at the age of 29 and has since shared six symptoms he wishes he had taken more seriously at the time.
Joe Faratzis, a TikTok user, now advocates for young individuals facing cancer, drawing from his own experience of battling the disease before turning 30.
Fortunately, he has reached a stage where there is no detectable disease, but he remains committed to spreading awareness by offering insights, updates, and information.
In one of his TikTok posts, Joe recounts the symptoms he noticed prior to his diagnosis and urges others to consult a doctor if they experience similar issues.
“Early screening could save you and your family from having to go through a cancer diagnosis,” he emphasizes.
Joe mentioned experiencing ‘constant sweating and night sweats’ before his diagnosis; the National Cancer Institute describes these symptoms as ‘common in cancer patients and survivors’.
While cancer treatment can trigger hot flashes and night sweats, Healthline points out they may also signal the early presence of certain cancers.
If cancer is the cause of sweating, it is likely accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or weight loss.
Unlike a standard stomach ache, Joe reported pain in his lower-right abdomen and cramping, particularly when he was bent over.
The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that most colon cancer patients at their facility report a similar ‘intermittent crampy feeling in their abdomen’.
However, not all patients experience pain.
Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Joe noticed an increased frequency of bathroom visits, a common colon cancer symptom.
He also described experiencing constipation and cramps, which the American Cancer Institute identifies as potential changes due to colon cancer.
Other symptoms may include diarrhea, narrowing of the stool lasting several days, and the sensation of needing to use the bathroom without relief.
Joe also recollected seeing blood in his stool, a symptom highlighted by the American Cancer Institute.
Colorectal cancers can result in bleeding within the digestive tract, causing the stool to appear dark brown or black. Patients may also encounter rectal bleeding with bright red blood.
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Joe delayed consulting a doctor despite experiencing these symptoms, postponing the visit for ‘months’.
Upon finally undergoing a colonoscopy, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer.
Initially thought to be localized, the tumor was later discovered to have spread to his liver and both lungs.
Joe underwent multiple chemotherapy and radiation rounds over the subsequent years before being declared free of cancer evidence.