A diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer can come as a shock, as it did for Joe Faratzis, a 28-year-old man who is now reflecting on his health journey at age 34. His experience highlights the crucial importance of recognizing early cancer warning signs and being attentive to changes in your body.
The Early Signs He Overlooked
Faratzis, known for his work as a producer at TMZ, admits that he dismissed initial symptoms for months, assuming they were due to less serious issues. Starting in 2019, he ignored the signs until a colonoscopy finally revealed the truth. Today, Faratzis urges everyone to take early screenings seriously and listen to their bodies for any potential signs of cancer.
1. Sweating and Night Sweats
According to Dr. Cathy Eng at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, symptoms such as night sweats, chronic fatigue, anemia, and weight loss can indicate advanced colon cancer. Faratzis experienced these night sweats but initially thought they were harmless.
2. Lower Right Abdominal Pain
Pain felt in the lower right abdomen might suggest issues with the ascending colon, as Healthline explains. Early on, Faratzis noted this pain but failed to see it as a warning sign, dismissing the need to seek medical advice.
3. Frequent Bathroom Trips
Needing to use the bathroom more frequently was another symptom that Faratzis overlooked. Though unusual for him, this increase in bathroom visits didn’t alert him to the possible presence of colorectal cancer.
4. Abdominal Cramps When Bending Over
Faratzis experienced abdominal cramps, especially when bending over, but he dismissed this discomfort as minor. In hindsight, he realizes these cramps were significant indicators of a more serious condition.
5. Constipation and Cramps
Colorectal cancer often causes symptoms such as constipation and abdominal cramps, notes the MC Anderson Cancer Center. Faratzis suffered from both, yet delayed action, underestimating the severe nature of his condition.
6. Blood in Stool
Perhaps the most alarming symptom was blood in Faratzis’s stool, which he initially thought was due to hemorrhoids. When he noticed a substantial amount of blood, he finally sought medical attention. This incident became the “big catalyst” that pushed him to take his symptoms seriously.
His Journey to Recovery
Upon diagnosis, Faratzis faced a challenging treatment path including chemotherapy, surgeries, and operations to tackle cancerous lesions on his liver and lungs. These treatments gradually improved his health, and by 2023, he celebrated his first clear CT scan. By April 2024, he reached the milestone of one year of clear scans, fueling his hope for the future.
The Importance of Early Detection
Looking back, Faratzis regrets not seeking medical help sooner. He believes that addressing his initial symptoms in 2019 could have altered his advanced diagnosis. Now, as a strong advocate for early screenings, he emphasizes that “early detection could save your life.” His message strongly resonates, underscoring the need to act swiftly on cancer warning signs.
Faratzis’s story is a powerful cautionary tale, urging everyone to take persistent, unusual symptoms seriously. Recognizing and acting on the warning signs of cancer can be life-saving.