Woman’s alarming cancer symptoms blamed on pregnancy for years before stage 3 diagnosis
After six more rounds of chemo, Peters had an ileostomy reversal, where her body was “essentially put back together.”
At the time of Peters’ diagnosis, she was still nursing her 16-month-old baby and continued to take care of all three kids while undergoing treatment, with support from her husband.
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“Thankfully, I have a tremendous mental health team, and they have helped me redefine my life, really communicate with my husband, with my children — not only throughout the journey, but also through the reformation of what family and motherhood looks like,” she told Fox News Digital.
Taking early action
Although Peters’ cancer was already “too far gone” for a colonoscopy to have made a difference in her diagnosis, she highly encourages the “gold standard” screening for anyone who has concerns or is at high risk.
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After her diagnosis, Peters said her sister went in for a colonoscopy, during which her doctors found and removed some pre-cancerous polyps, although she never had any symptoms. Peters later discovered that her parents both had pre-cancerous polyps removed.
“Knowing your family’s health history is tremendously important,” she said.
Peters’ sons are pictured advocating for cancer research on Capitol Hill. (BE SEEN)
Peters founded BE SEEN, a colorectal cancer nonprofit advocating for earlier intervention and screening, to help others find their voice and get ahead of the disease. BE SEEN offers resources and community programs.
“Colorectal cancer is an entirely preventable disease, even though it’s on the rise in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s for reasons we don’t know,” she said.
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“I want people to be seen for their symptoms … I want them to be seen for their story. And I want them to be seen, ultimately, for their screenings, because we know they save lives.”
“I lost so much time, and I’m still deeply questioning why I am here to talk about it when so many other people get a late-stage diagnosis and don’t have the complete response that I had,” Peters added. “We’re losing people far too soon, and it’s just not okay. This is not something we should be settling for.”
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. (iStock)
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50 and the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.
Adults 65 and younger comprise nearly half (45%) of all new cases — a significant increase from 27% in 1995, according to a report from the American Cancer Society.
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Official health agencies recommend that CRC screenings start at age 45 and continue through age 75 for adults at “average risk.”
Anyone with concerning symptoms or questions about risk should consult a doctor for guidance.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/womans-alarming-cancer-symptoms-blamed-pregnancy-years-before-stage-3-diagnosis