A man diagnosed with stage four colon cancer has opened up about the two key symptoms he initially ignored, urging others to take their health seriously.
Joe Faratzis, now 34, was just 28 when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Today, he continues to share his journey and raise awareness on platforms like TikTok, offering insights into how the disease began.
Faratzis reflected on the earliest warning signs in an article for Self, saying: “This all started in 2019. I started experiencing a faint abdominal pain whenever I bent over—for example, to tie my shoe. It was a dull, mild ache in the bottom right portion of my abdomen that popped up periodically, maybe once or twice a week, and I didn’t think much of it.”
Initially dismissing the pain because it wasn’t persistent, Faratzis chose to ignore his symptoms. Even after consulting a doctor who recommended a CT scan, he declined the test due to cost and what he thought was unnecessary concern.
Six months later, he noticed bright red spots of blood on his toilet paper, a symptom he also brushed off. “As a 28-year-old man, I thought I was invincible, so I didn’t do anything about it,” he admitted, reported by the Daily Mail. “Otherwise, I felt normal, but looking back, blood in my stool was a major red flag.”
The turning point came when he passed gas and discovered a significant amount of blood—about half a cup. This prompted further medical investigation. Despite initial reassurances and normal blood test results, imaging revealed a large tumor in his colon, marking the beginning of his cancer journey.
Faratzis recalled his diagnosis: “The imaging tests showed that the cancer was localized to my colon and hadn’t spread to other parts of my body. I had stage II colorectal cancer and would have to do chemotherapy, radiation, and get surgery to eliminate all of the cancer.”
Although treatment initially seemed successful, the cancer eventually spread to his lungs and liver, escalating to stage four.
Today, Faratzis undergoes regular scans every three months. He remains optimistic, saying: “I’ve had clear scans for the past year—it’s the longest stretch I’ve gone with no lesions, which is awesome. I feel good, I’m hopeful, and I live my life as if there isn’t an issue.”
Reflecting on his experience, Faratzis urged readers to take their symptoms seriously and advocate for their own health: “Listen to your body. Be your own health care advocate. No one else is going to hold your hand and do it for you.”
His powerful message highlights the importance of paying attention to subtle symptoms and seeking timely medical advice—lessons he hopes others will learn before it’s too late.