Colon cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects older adults, but recent cases show a rise in younger patients. One woman’s story has gone viral, raising awareness of the early warning signs of colon cancer—signs she initially dismissed.

A Single Mother’s Battle with Colon Cancer

Radwah Oda, a single mother from Texas, is juggling motherhood, work, and a stage four colon cancer diagnosis. She took to TikTok, where her video sharing her overlooked symptoms has gained over 2.3 million views. Through her experience, she hopes to educate others and prevent them from making the same mistake.

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Early Symptoms She Ignored

Radwah’s story highlights the subtle and often dismissed signs of colon cancer. Here are the symptoms she overlooked before receiving her diagnosis:

1. Changes in Bowel Movements

📌 What she noticed:
Her stool became thinner and pencil-shaped, which she initially thought was mild constipation.

📌 What it actually meant:
Changes in stool shape could indicate a tumor obstructing the colon.

2. Blood in Stool

📌 What she noticed:
She noticed small amounts of blood in her stool but dismissed it as hemorrhoids—a common misconception.

📌 What it actually meant:
Blood in stool can be a major red flag for colon cancer or other digestive issues.

3. Persistent Abdominal Pain

📌 What she noticed:
She experienced pain below her right breast but assumed it was caused by an ill-fitting bra.

📌 What it actually meant:
This pain was actually a sign that the cancer had spread to her liver.

🔴 Lesson learned: Any persistent pain should be evaluated, especially when it doesn’t go away or worsens over time.

4. Chronic Fatigue

📌 What she noticed:
Despite getting enough sleep, she constantly felt exhausted and needed to take multiple naps during the day.

📌 What it actually meant:
Colon cancer can cause anemia and fatigue due to internal bleeding or the body using extra energy to fight cancer.

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Other Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

In another TikTok video, Radwah listed additional symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis, including:

🚩 Unexplained weight loss
🚩 Loss of appetite
🚩 Severe stomach pains

She originally thought she just had a bad stomach bug, but later learned it was something far more serious.

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Colon Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

The American Cancer Society warns that colon cancer symptoms often develop slowly, making early detection difficult. Here are common warning signs to watch for:

✔ Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrow stools)
✔ Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
✔ Persistent stomach pain or cramps
✔ Unexplained weight loss
✔ Weakness and fatigue

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Colon Cancer in Younger Adults

Recent research shows that colon cancer rates are rising in people under 50. Many younger individuals assume they’re too young to get colon cancer, leading to delayed diagnoses and more advanced cases.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the two most common early symptoms in younger patients are:
🔹 Abdominal pain
🔹 Bloody stools

Early detection is key—the sooner colon cancer is caught, the better the treatment outcome.

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Don’t Ignore the Signs—Listen to Your Body

Radwah’s story serves as a powerful reminder to pay attention to your body and take symptoms seriously.

✔ If something feels off, don’t dismiss it.
✔ If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
✔ Early detection could save your life.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule a checkup with a doctor. Colon cancer is treatable when caught early! 💙