Colon can.cer survivors share how they ‘knew’ it was time to see a doctor

Ouadie Rhabbouron

Several patients have shared the specific warning signs that prompted them to seek medical attention, offering insight into how colorectal cancer can first make itself known.

Survivors of colon cancer have spoken openly about the moments they realized something was wrong and decided to see a doctor.

Bowel cancer—which includes cancers of the colon and rectum—is currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research. While the majority of cases still occur in older adults, global data shows a troubling rise among younger people. In the UK, only about one in 20 cases affects individuals under the age of 50.

This upward trend has been described as a “growing global phenomenon,” which is concerning. However, it’s important to note that more than half of all cases—around 54 percent—are considered preventable. This makes early awareness of symptoms especially critical.

Many signs of colorectal cancer can resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or even a short-term stomach infection.

Still, gastroenterologist David Richards, M.D., emphasizes that medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks.

“That’s particularly true if they’re accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools or unintentional weight loss,” he told the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Diarrhoea

Courtney Nash was only 35 years old when she was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.

For more than two decades, she had lived with ongoing digestive issues, including frequent diarrhoea and stomach pain, due to ulcerative colitis.

After giving birth to her second child, however, Courtney noticed that her symptoms worsened significantly.

“I started dropping weight, losing my hair and even passing blood occasionally,” she shared.

Continued on next page

 

For complete cooking times, go to the next page or click the Open button (>), and don't forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.

Next »»

“I married a woman thirty years older than me—despite my family’s strong objections. But on our wedding night, I uncovered a secret that changed everything. My name is Arjun Mehra. I’m twenty years old, about 180 cm tall, and currently in my second year at one of New Delhi’s top universities. Until recently, my life was simple—classes, exams, and future plans. That all changed the day I met Kavita Rao. She was sixty—graceful, composed, and impossible to ignore. Once the owner of a successful chain of luxury restaurants in Mumbai, she had stepped away from business and lived a quiet, private life. We met at a charity event in Gurugram. While others tried to stand out with loud conversations and laughter, Kavita remained calm and reserved. Her silver hair reflected the light, and her presence alone drew attention without effort. A few days later, she invited me to her mansion in South Delhi for tea. What I expected to be a short, polite visit turned into hours of meaningful conversation. She spoke openly about her life—early success, a marriage that ended without conflict, and a loneliness that lingered despite her achievements. She had everything—wealth, status, respect—except someone to truly share it with. Somewhere in those conversations, I realized I cared deeply for her. Not because of what she owned, but because she understood life in a way most people my age didn’t. Three months later, during a rainy evening, I told her I wanted to spend my life with her—no matter the age difference. The backlash was immediate. My family accused me of being after her money. My father called it disgraceful. My mother cried for days. Friends whispered behind my back. Eventually, I chose to walk away from all of them. We got married at her villa, with only a few of her close business associates present. I was the youngest person in the room—and I could feel every judgmental glance. That night, alone together as husband and wife, the atmosphere felt heavy and quiet. Kavita sat beside me and handed me a thick folder. Inside were documents—properties in Mumbai, ownership papers, and keys to a luxury car. I was overwhelmed. “I don’t want any of this,” I told her. “That’s not why I married you.” She studied me carefully before speaking, her tone calm but firm. “Arjun, you need to understand something,” she said. “Loneliness isn’t the only reason I chose you. I need someone to carry on what I’ve built.” Her words unsettled me. She explained that she had no children, and her wealth—worth hundreds of crores—would otherwise fall into the hands of distant relatives waiting for their chance. “I want it to go to you,” she said quietly. “But there’s one condition.” The room suddenly felt smaller. My voice tightened as I asked, “What condition?” She held my gaze steadily… and began to explain.