“I never thought that it could happen to me.”
Unfortunately, we tend to repeat this refrain when facing unexpected hardships in our life from trauma to illness. For many people, getting a diagnosis can come with a number of emotional, social, and financial burdens that we often aren’t ready to deal with.
For Dr. Lauren Juyia, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, she certainly never felt like she was at risk of having cancer in her 30s. A lifelong vegetarian and non-smoker, Dr. Juyia always valued being active and moving her body. But in August 2022, she was shocked and concerned when she discovered masses around her pelvis.
Dr. Juyia’s Story
Further testing, reports Suncoast News, discovered a number of masses, some as large as 24 cm. (approximately 9.44 inches). Pathological exploration diagnosed these as malignant (cancerous); Dr. Juyia was given her diagnosis: colorectal cancer. Her initial cancer had also metastasized (spread) from her colon to her ovaries.
Luckily, Dr. Juyia has responded well to treatment. Outside of 12 weeks of chemotherapy, she also had surgery to remove an inactive tumor. She finished treatment earlier this year and, as of right now, has no signs of active cancer. In sharing her story, she hopes to encourage others to get screened and be aware of their health so that, in the case of the unexpected, they are prepared.
About Colorectal Cancer
Also called colon cancer, colorectal cancer forms in the large intestine. It often begins as benign (noncancerous) polyps outside of the colon but later becomes malignant. Colorectal cancer is more common in people ages 45 and older, those with a family history of colorectal cancer, people who are obese or have a low-fiber and high-fat diet, those who consume tobacco and alcohol, and people with inflammatory intestinal conditions.
With screening, colorectal cancer is often preventable; screening may also help catch this cancer in earlier stages, when it is easier to treat. Screening is often free under most insurance plans. If you are high-risk for developing this cancer, or are 45 or older, consider getting screened. Treatments include endoscopic mucosal resection, laparoscopic surgery, and polypectomy in early stages. As the cancer progresses, partial colectomies, lymph node removals, minimally invasive surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy may be used.
Symptoms related to this cancer may, but do not always, include:
- Bloody stool
- Weight loss
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Recurrent stomach pain or cramping
- The feeling of bowels not completely emptying
