Statistics show that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In 2023 alone, an estimated 153,020 people were diagnosed with the disease, and more than 52,000 individuals lost their lives to it. These numbers highlight just how common and dangerous this form of cancer can be when not detected early.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer typically begins in the colon or rectum. “Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps.” Although polyps are extremely common and often harmless, certain types can gradually develop into cancer if they remain undetected for years. This slow progression is one of the reasons regular screening is so important.

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A Woman’s Story: Symptoms She Wishes She Had Not Ignored

Radwah Oda, a Texas mother of one, publicly shared her battle with colon cancer in hopes of helping others recognize the early warning signs. Posting her experience on TikTok, she urged people to take any unusual symptoms seriously rather than brushing them off or assuming they are minor issues.

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1. Stool Changes

One of the very first signs Oda noticed was a change in the shape of her stool, which had become unusually thin—almost pencil-like. At first, she dismissed it as something temporary or insignificant. Only later did she realize it was a potential warning sign she should have spoken to a doctor about.

She also occasionally saw small traces of blood in her stool. Because blood in stool can sometimes be caused by hemorrhoids, she didn’t consider it alarming. However, she now emphasizes how easy it is to overlook this symptom. Oda additionally described experiencing a persistent feeling of incomplete bowel emptying:

“Every time I used the bathroom, I felt like I still needed to go. I kept pushing and pushing, but nothing would come out.”

Many people with colorectal issues report this same sensation, often confusing it with digestive problems or constipation.

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2. Unexplained Pain

Another sign that troubled her was unexplained pain in her abdomen. People with colon cancer commonly report discomfort that becomes more noticeable as the disease progresses.

Oda initially felt the pain beneath her right breast and assumed her bra might be too tight—especially because the discomfort was limited to one side. What she didn’t realize at the time was that this pain indicated the cancer had reached her liver. Her experience highlights how easy it is to rationalize new or persistent pain and why monitoring subtle changes in the body is important.

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3. Chronic Fatigue

Oda also shared that she was exhausted almost all the time, even when she slept well or took breaks throughout the day.

“I would still need to nap several times during the day, and nothing really helped,” she said.

Chronic fatigue is known to be a symptom of many types of cancer. In her later videos, she also mentioned experiencing unexplained weight loss and a significant drop in appetite—two additional symptoms that often accompany more advanced cases of colorectal cancer.

Looking back, she explained:

“Until the doctors told me I had cancer, I blamed these symptoms on a ‘really bad stomach bug.’”

Her story shows how easily cancer symptoms can be mistaken for common digestive issues, leading many people to delay seeking medical attention.

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Raising Awareness

Oda now uses her platform to bring awareness to colorectal cancer symptoms, encouraging others to be proactive:

“If you have any of these symptoms, don’t worry, but go see a doctor.”

Her message is not meant to scare people but to help them recognize that persistent or unusual changes in the body deserve attention. Early detection often leads to better outcomes, and listening to your body can make a meaningful difference.