Texas Woman, 41, Undergoes Chemotherapy for Stage II Rectal Cancer

2 articles · Updated · CBS New York · May 30

Candace Tucker, 41, is about one-third through chemotherapy for Stage II rectal cancer after pathology confirmed the diagnosis following a colonoscopy.
Months of mild bowel changes and small amounts of blood in her stool led to testing; her oncologist said tumor DNA analysis showed she would need chemotherapy, surgery and possibly radiation.
Biweekly treatment has been manageable so far, and her doctor said she is responding well as the team plans further tests to decide the next phase of care.
Doctors cited in the report said persistent bowel changes and any blood in the stool should be checked quickly, noting younger patients often dismiss colorectal cancer warning signs.
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cancer-related cause of death for people under 50, and Tucker said she is sharing her story to reduce stigma and encourage earlier attention to symptoms.

She worked in oncology yet missed her own cancer. What deadly assumption are many young people making?

Why is the top cancer killer for young adults a disease families are too ashamed to discuss?