A 28-Year-Old Man with Stage Four Cancer Shares the 6 Warning Signs He Wishes He Had Paid More Attention To

At 28, Joe Faratzis was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Now 34, he reflects on the six early signs he ignored, which led to his advanced diagnosis. His story emphasizes the importance of early detection and paying attention to your body.

The Signs He Overlooked:

1. Night Sweats – Faratzis experienced night sweats but dismissed them as minor.
2. Abdominal Pain – He felt pain in his lower right abdomen but ignored it.
3. Frequent Bathroom Trips – He noticed increased bathroom visits but didn’t connect them to cancer.
4. Abdominal Cramps – Cramps when bending over were brushed off as a minor issue.
5. Constipation and Cramps – Both were symptoms he delayed addressing.
6. Blood in Stool – Initially attributed to hemorrhoids, blood in his stool was the final trigger to seek help.

Faratzis underwent intensive treatment and, by 2023, celebrated his first clear CT scan. He now advocates for early screenings, stressing that early detection can save lives. His story is a powerful reminder to address persistent symptoms promptly.