A 34-year-Old Man’s Journey with Colon Cancer: Key Symptoms Dismissed
A 34-year-old man diagnosed with incurable colon cancer has revealed the key symptoms he dismissed — in a bid to help others avoid the same fate.
Joe Faratzis first began experiencing issues in 2019, including a ‘dull, mild ache’ in the lower right of his abdomen that was ‘easy to ignore and forget about.’
He visited his doctor, who inquired about his bowel habits and referred him for scans. However, Mr. Faratzis didn’t follow through with the tests, admitting, ‘I assumed it was unneeded.’
Six months later, he noticed blood on the toilet paper but claims he ‘wasn’t too concerned… it was never an alarming amount and it didn’t happen every day.’
Writing in the health publication Self, mr. Faratzis shared, ‘As a 28-year-old man, I thought I was invincible, so I didn’t do anything about it.’
Two months passed before he sought medical attention after experiencing heavy bleeding. A colonoscopy ultimately lead to his cancer diagnosis.
While his treatment currently holds the disease at bay, Mr. Faratzis is aware that only one in ten patients with advanced colon cancer of his type survive beyond five years.
He now shares his story on TikTok, aiming to raise awareness.’I sometimes kick myself thinking back to that first doctor’s appointment, and what I would have, could have, should have done,’ he adds.
Joe Faratzis first began suffering problems in 2019, including ‘a dull, mild ache’ in the lower right of his abdomen from time to time that ‘was easy to ignore and forget about’.
He visited his doctor who asked about his bowel habits and referred him for scans but, heartbreakingly, Mr Faratzis didn’t go through with the tests, admitting: ‘I assumed it was unnecessary.’
Six months later, he began noticing blood on the toilet paper when he went to the bathroom, but again claims he ‘wasn’t too concerned… it was never an alarming amount and it didn’t happen every day.’
After his diagnosis, the situation worsened. While the cancer was initially confined to the bowel, it quickly progressed, leading to tumors in his lungs and liver, classifying it as stage four, which is generally considered incurable.
Despite enduring more treatment, including surgeries, he currently enjoys a cancer-free status, though the uncertainty of a potential return looms over him.
‘I’ve had around nine or ten lung surgeries that worked but also resulted in complications like a collapsed lung,’ wrote Mr. Faratzis.
‘I asked my doctor if I was going to die… I was never given a prognosis or survival rate for what I’m experiencing. Even with stage IV cancer, early detection of tumors and their removal offers a chance for continued life.’
Writing in US health publication Self, Mr. Faratzis says: ‘As a 28-year-old man, I thought I was invincible, so I didn’t do anything about it’
Now in a cycle of ongoing tests, he notes: ‘I’ve had clear scans for the past year — the longest stretch I’ve gone without lesions.’
mr. Faratzis advises anyone experiencing similar symptoms to ‘listen to your body.’ He emphasizes, ‘If you think something is wrong, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out.’ He reflects, ‘If I hadn’t waited — had I received the CT scan in 2019 when I first displayed symptoms — I might not be in this position.’
His story reflects a concerning trend of increasing diagnoses of bowel and other cancers in younger individuals, which has puzzled medical professionals globally.
Recent data indicates a 50% surge in bowel cancer diagnoses among younger adults over the past three decades.
The overwhelming majority of bowel cancer cases still occur in individuals over 50 years old, but diagnoses in younger patients are rising, while rates among older populations have remained stable or even declined.
Notable figures, such as actor James van Der Beek, have also shared their experiences, highlighting the need for increased awareness.
Experts attribute part of the rise in cancer cases to high consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have raised alarm bells for many health experts.
Colon cancer in older groups has either declined or remained stable while diagnoses in younger people have risen.
The disease has surged by 50 per cent in this age-group over the past three decades, recent data suggests.
Recognizing Symptoms of Colon Cancer
The main symptoms of colon cancer include changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or changes in frequency.Other signs to watch for include:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Bloating or feeling full after eating very little.
- Alterations in appetite.
Those experiencing these symptoms should consult with their GP, who may refer them to a colorectal clinic for further evaluation.
Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon, shares key advice for those concerned about their symptoms:
- Monitor for new symptoms, especially those that differ from chronic issues.
- If you experience three or more symptoms, such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or abdominal pain, seek medical evaluation.
- Be aware of changes in the character of your symptoms, as shifts could require further examination.
Observing your health and acting on early signs could be key in combating colon cancer effectively.
Join the Conversation: Have you or someone you know faced similar symptoms? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
What are the early warning signs of colon cancer that everyone should know?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr.Emily Sinclair, Oncologist and Colon Cancer Specialist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sinclair. Thank you for joining us today to discuss a very important topic—colon cancer awareness, notably in younger individuals. Recently, Joe Faratzis shared his journey with colon cancer, highlighting symptoms he initially dismissed. What are yoru thoughts on his experience?
Dr. Sinclair: Thank you for having me.joe’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking medical advice,especially when symptoms arise. Many people, particularly younger men, often underestimate their risk for conditions like colon cancer, which is unluckily becoming more common in younger demographics.
Editor: Joe mentioned experiencing a ”dull, mild ache” in his lower abdomen that he thought was nothing to worry about. How common is it for patients to downplay symptoms, and what can we do to change that mindset?
Dr. Sinclair: It’s very common. Many individuals,especially young men who feel invincible,frequently enough dismiss mild or intermittent discomfort as minor. This mindset can lead to serious consequences. Education and awareness campaigns are vital. We need to encourage people to pay attention to even minor symptoms and understand that early detection can considerably improve outcomes.
Editor: After initially experiencing symptoms in 2019, it wasn’t until six months later that Joe sought help following heavier bleeding. What advice do you have for those who find themselves in a similar situation?
Dr. Sinclair: It’s crucial to seek medical attention when you notice any alarming changes in your health, such as unexplained pain, bleeding, or changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis can make a notable difference, as seen in Joe’s case. Even if your symptoms seem minor or sporadic,it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get them evaluated.
Editor: Joe didn’t follow thru with the recommended scans, thinking they were unnecessary. How can we emphasize the importance of following medical advice, especially diagnostic tests?
Dr.Sinclair: This is often a barrier we face. Patients might feel overwhelmed or skeptical about the need for tests after a brief appointment. It’s essential for healthcare providers to communicate the potential consequences of not following through, including the risk of allowing a serious condition to progress undetected. Clear communication and education around the importance of these tests cannot be overstated.
Editor: Joe’s diagnosis progressed to stage four colon cancer, which is now considered largely incurable.He has shared his experience on platforms like TikTok to raise awareness. What role do social media and personal stories play in health education?
Dr.Sinclair: Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness. Personal stories, like Joe’s, resonate with people and can lead to increased conversations about health issues that are often stigmatized or overlooked. They can empower others to share their symptoms and seek help. Community support through these platforms can encourage healthier behaviors and knowledge sharing.
Editor: Lastly, what are the key symptoms of colon cancer that everyone should be aware of, so they can seek help in a timely manner?
Dr. Sinclair: Great question. Key symptoms include:
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding—even a small amount that seems not alarming can be a sign.
- Unexplained abdominal pain, discomfort, or persistent changes in bowel habits—such as diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days.
- Allergies to certain foods or sudden changes in appetite and weight can also be noteworthy.
- Iron-deficiency anemia—often found through routine blood tests, can indicate a problem.
If anyone experiences these symptoms, I encourage them to consult with a healthcare professional promptly.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sinclair, for sharing your expertise with us.Raising awareness about colon cancer is crucial, especially for younger individuals who might not consider themselves at risk.We hope that stories like Joe’s will inspire others to take their health seriously.
Dr. Sinclair: Thank you for bringing attention to this important health issue. Together, we can save lives through education and awareness.