‘Fit Mom’ did ‘everything right’ — then a colon cancer diagnosis changed her life
Today, Kang says her MRIs have shown “no suspicious mass detected.” She gets regular blood screenings and scans every six months.
“Much of what remains appears related to postoperative healing and inflammation,” she shared. “Because of my history, my doctors continue surveillance, but I have not been formally declared NED (no evidence of disease).”
Alarming trends
An estimated 158,850 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, and around 55,230 people will die from the disease this year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Although colorectal cancer incidence has declined overall — largely among older adults, a trend linked in part to increased screening and changes in certain risk factors — rates are rising in younger age groups.
Kang said her fitness and nutrition regimens also look drastically different from her pre-cancer routines. (Maria Kang)
Among adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer incidence increased by 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022.
The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend that people at average risk begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45, although those with certain risk factors may need to start earlier.
Anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms should consult a doctor, regardless of age.
‘I look healthy’
“It was a really big, humbling look in the mirror when you say to yourself, ‘I look healthy, but I’m not healthy,’” Kang told Fox News Digital.
“When someone is at a normal range in their weight, they could have cancer. They could have autoimmune issues.”
DOCTORS PUSH NEW BLOOD TESTS FOR COLON CANCER AS CASES SURGE IN YOUNGER ADULTS
“We don’t know what’s going on inside of a person. We always just want to look the part versus be the part.”
Wellness redefined
Kang said her cancer journey has changed her perception of health and what’s important in life.
“Cancer makes everything extremely clear — what’s important, what is not important, what you should eat, what you shouldn’t eat,” she said. “If you really listen to yourself, it becomes crystal clear when you have no energy.”
Kang’s world was turned upside down when she learned that she had stage 4 colon cancer in November 2023. (Maria Kang)
Kang said her fitness and nutrition regimens also look drastically different from her pre-cancer routines.
“I used to train five or six days a week, but now I only move when I want to,” she said. “Walking is my best friend. I love to dance. I still love to strength-train because it’s fun for me and it makes me strong.”
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Perhaps the biggest shift is that Kang no longer does anything that feels forced: “If there’s anything that I feel forced to do, I don’t do it … If I feel awful, my body’s going to express awful.”
Her approach to food has also shifted, she shared.
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“In the past, there were bad foods and good foods, and cheat days … what I understand now is balance,” Kang said.
While she does naturally veer toward fruits and vegetables — “things that have water and life and light in them” — Kang said she is still open to eating any other foods, including pizza.
Kang underwent extensive surgery to remove the tumor and about a foot of her colon, along with multiple reproductive organs and her appendix. (Maria Kang)
Overall, Kang wants people to know that maintaining healthy habits does not eliminate the possibility of developing cancer.
“It could happen to anybody — that was the most humbling realization,” she said.
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“You may think you’re young and healthy and this won’t happen to you, but this world is so unpredictable right now. Anything can happen to anybody.”
“Health is not what you think it is,” she said. “It’s not just how you look. It’s how you feel.”
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The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a healthcare provider about persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms.
While such symptoms can have many causes other than cancer, they should be evaluated regardless of a person’s age.
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/fit-mom-did-everything-right-colon-cancer-diagnosis-changed-her-life