Doctor Diagnoses Her Own Stage 4 Colon Cancer, Urges Vigilance on Warning Signs
In 2022, Dr. Lauren Juyia, a gynecologist from Florida, made a startling discovery: she diagnosed her own stage 4 colon cancer. At just 37, she noticed only two mild symptoms that many would likely overlook—fatigue and a feeling of pelvic heaviness. These signs prompted her to seek further examination, ultimately leading to her cancer diagnosis. Now, Dr. Juyia shares her story, hoping to raise awareness about these early warning signs so others don’t dismiss them as she initially did.
Dr. Juyia’s symptoms first appeared in August 2022, starting with occasional fatigue. Being a busy doctor and mother of two young children, she chalked it up to her hectic life and age. But when she began to feel a sense of “pelvic heaviness,” her intuition told her something wasn’t right. As this heaviness developed into what felt like a pelvic mass, she knew she needed an ultrasound.
Also Read:- Will Carrie Ann Inaba’s Time as a DWTS Judge Soon Come to an End?
- Iran Warns of 'Crushing Response' to Recent Israeli Attacks
During her scan, the results revealed larger-than-normal masses near her ovary. Given her medical background, Dr. Juyia immediately suspected something was wrong, especially when the mass rapidly expanded in just two weeks, growing from 8 centimeters to an alarming 24 centimeters. Even before receiving a definitive diagnosis, she suspected cancer, though she initially thought it might be ovarian due to the mass’s location. After further tests, it was confirmed that Dr. Juyia had stage 4 colon cancer. By September, the cancer had spread to multiple areas, including her ovaries, uterus, omentum, appendix, and abdomen.
Despite the advanced stage, Dr. Juyia faced her diagnosis with courage. She underwent surgery to remove the cancerous masses, followed by a grueling six-month course of chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she continued working, finding comfort in helping her patients. She described work as “therapeutic,” allowing her to focus less on her illness and more on her passion for healthcare.
Her experience underscores the importance of not dismissing mild symptoms, even if they seem insignificant. Fatigue and a sense of pelvic heaviness might not seem alarming, but in Dr. Juyia’s case, they were indicators of a life-threatening illness. In addition to her own symptoms, she highlights other common signs of colon cancer, such as changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Dr. Juyia’s story serves as a reminder to prioritize health and listen to your body, especially when symptoms persist. Today, she is using her platform to encourage others, particularly younger individuals who might not consider themselves at risk for colon cancer, to pay attention to these signs and seek medical advice if something feels off.
In the UK, bowel cancer screening programs are typically offered to people over 50, though some regions have started extending these services to younger people. Dr. Juyia’s journey underscores the significance of early detection, which can often be the difference between life and death.
Read More:
0 Comments