Raegan Downing
Patient/Survivor
Colon
Age at Diagnosis: 42
"Screening is simple: It’s the best nap you’ll ever have when you get a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy can detect polyps and prevent them from turning into cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) doesn’t get as much attention as other cancers. Once more are educated, they’ll be able to make educated decisions about their health and how to prevent getting this disease."
I was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer at age 42. I had been having gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for several months, and we couldn’t figure out why. I went to donate blood, and they told me I couldn’t because I was severely anemic and should go to the ER. Putting those two together, they recommended a colonoscopy; and they discovered a tumor, which turned out to be cancerous. I went through chemo for three months and was in the clear. For my three-month follow-up, some tests revealed the tumor had returned, and cancer had spread to my lung and lymph node by my liver. I’m currently undergoing aggressive chemo.