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31-year-old Mother Of Twins Who Was Diagnosed With Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Reveals The Warning Symptoms She Wrote Off For MONTHS As Signs Of Stress And IBS
A 31-year-old mother has opened up about how she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after initially chalking up her symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stress.
Bri Mahon, who lives in Newport Beach, California, with her husband, Blake, and their twins, Banks and Brooks, has been documenting her cancer journey on TikTok, where she has more than 88,000 followers.
She recently went viral after detailing the colon cancer symptoms that she initially shrugged off, explaining that she had digestive issues for years that she thought were due to IBS.
Mahon said she had done blood tests, but nothing concerning came up. She was mostly just irritated and bloated. However, two years ago, she noticed a sharp increase in her anxiety and fatigue.
Bri Mahon, 31, from Newport Beach, California, went viral on TikTok after detailing the symptoms that led to her being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer
Mahon and her husband, Blake, welcomed premature twins, Banks and Brooks, last September. She initially thought the blood in her stools was from her pregnancy
'I was having panic attacks, and I think it's just because my body was really, really, really tired and going through whatever it's going through, growing a tumor,' she explained.
Last September, Mahon went into labor at 23 weeks and gave birth to premature twins, who spent four months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
She started noticing blood in her stool shortly after, but she thought it was a combination of hemorrhoids from pregnancy and her IBS symptoms flaring up.
'I wasn't even really thinking about what I was really going through,' she recalled. 'I thought it was stress. I thought it was depression. I thought it was anxiety, kind of all these things coming up again. My fatigue was really bad, but, again, I justified it in my head as my boys are in the NICU.'
Mahon started to see blood in her stools more regularly and became even more concerned when the color turned from red to dark red.
'My urgency to go to the bathroom was kind of out of control,' she said. 'I would either be insanely constipated or I'd be going to the bathroom and just dark blood would be coming out.'
Mahon knew something was wrong, and her doctor referred her to a gastroenterologist, who immediately scheduled a colonoscopy.
The specialist did 10 biopsies during the colonoscopy, and she was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Mahone explained that she had digestive issues for years and thought she had irritable bowl syndrome (IBS). She saw a specialist after the blood in her stools became more frequent
Mahon answered questions about her diagnosis in a series of follow-up videos
The mother of two's video has been viewed more than 1.9 million times and has received hundreds of comments
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type in the U.S. And the third leading cause of death of both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society.
The rate of new cases among Americans younger than 55 years old has increased from 11 percent in 1995 to 20 percent in 2019.
Early warning signs include blood in feces, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss. However, these are often missed in younger age groups, with doctors instead believing they are signs of another illness.
Mahon began the first of two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation this week. She also underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to the treatments, which will affect her fertility.
She told BuzzFeed News that once her chemo and radiation are completed, she will have surgery to remove the remaining part of the tumor.
'I think the most shocking thing about my diagnosis is that I would have never guessed it was cancer,' she told the outlet. 'Sure, I felt off in a way where I wanted to get checked out, but I originally assumed I had IBS and nothing concerning.
Mahone has been documenting her cancer journey on Instagram and TikTok, where she has a combined total of more than 224,000 followers
Mahon underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) prior to her cancer treatments because they will affect her fertility
Mahon began the first of two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation this week
'Every time I've thought of cancer, I did not image an active, incredibly healthy 31-year-old with energy. It still feels very surreal to me to have my diagnosis.'
Mahon's video detailing her symptoms has been viewed more than 1.9 million times since it was posted on May 24.
Hundreds of people took to the comments to offer words of encouragement and share their own cancer stories. Others asked questions about her diagnosis, some of which she addressed in a series of follow-up videos.
'I had colon cancer stage 3 at 25,' one person responded. 'I'm cancer free today at 35. Your gonna be ok! U got this!'
'I had stage 3 colon cancer 6 years ago...I'm 100% cancer free!!' another added. 'You will do great!! I had almost the exact same symptoms. I have twins also!!'
'My bf had stage 3B colon cancer at age 25,' someone else shared. Now he's about to be 31. Colon cancer is becoming so so common.'
COLORECTAL CANCER: WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?Colorectal cancer is a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Tumors sometimes develop from abnormal growths called polyps.
Sometimes called colon cancer, for short, it is the third most common type in the U.S. And the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.
The rate of new colorectal cases among Americans younger than 55 years old has increased from 11 percent in 1995 to 20 percent in 2019.
Symptoms include:
The risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you get older, but cases in younger adults have spiked over the years.
Other risk factors include:
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS)
AdvertisementSigns And Symptoms Of Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that typically begins in the lining of the stomach. The stomach is an organ located between the esophagus and the small intestine that helps you digest food by mixing the food with stomach acid.
Stomach cancer tends to develop slowly over the course of many years. In its early stages, stomach cancer does not usually cause symptoms, though feelings of indigestion or abdominal discomfort can occur. As the cancer grows or spreads to nearby organs, you can experience symptoms like blood in the stool (poop), vomiting, and fatigue that can worsen over time.
Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms. When there are early symptoms, the symptoms can be similar to those of many other conditions. Either way, it can be difficult to detect stomach cancer in its early stages.
Early-stage symptoms of stomach cancer may include:
Many people with stomach cancer are not diagnosed until the cancer has started to spread. Once this happens, the cancer is more challenging to treat and cure. When cancer cells grow into the wall of the stomach lining and cause bleeding, new symptoms may develop.
Symptoms you can experience as stomach cancer progresses include:
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can be caused by common, non-cancerous conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A healthcare provider can determine what is causing your symptoms.
When stomach cancer spreads from the stomach to other organs, more serious symptoms may appear. End-stage symptoms of stomach cancer can vary and depend on which other organs are affected.
End-stage stomach cancer can affect several organs including the liver and the large intestines. If the liver is affected, you may experience jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. You may also notice signs of ascites when your belly appears swollen because your abdomen has filled with fluid.
Stomach cancer is very rare in children and makes up just 0.05% of all pediatric cancer cases. Children with stomach cancer may have had cancer in a different area of the body that then spread to the stomach.
Possible symptoms of stomach cancer in children may include:
Knowing when to see your healthcare provider for stomach cancer symptoms can be a challenge. Stomach cancer may cause bleeding in the digestive tract. Symptoms may include black stools, fatigue, and weakness. If you develop any symptoms of bleeding, see your provider right away.
Stomach cancer may cause a blockage in the stomach or large intestine. A blockage can lead to severe pain, uncontrolled vomiting, significant weight loss, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can also possibly be caused by certain viral infections or other conditions. See a healthcare provider promptly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they get worse.
Stomach cancer is a type of cancer that most often begins in the lining of the stomach. Stomach cancer does not usually cause symptoms in its early stages. This often leads to late diagnosis, which makes the disease more challenging to treat.
If there are early symptoms of stomach cancer, they may include indigestion, stomach discomfort, and nausea. Symptoms more often develop as the cancer progresses. These later-stage symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, and unintended weight loss. Once stomach cancer spreads to other organs, it is possible to experience liver and large intestine damage and related symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.
Rectal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, And More
Rectal cancer is cancer that develops in cells in the rectum, which is below the sigmoid colon and above the anus.
Your rectum and colon are both part of the digestive system, so rectal and colon cancers are often grouped under the term colorectal cancer.
In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer. It's also the second deadliest, making early detection and treatment critical. Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in females and the third most common cancer in males, according to a 2020 data from Worldwide Cancer Research Fund.
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 44,850 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2022. This compares with 106,180 new cases of colon cancer.
At first, rectal cancer may be asymptomatic.
As the cancer progresses, rectal bleeding is the most common symptom. Changes in your bowel habits may occur, lasting for more than a few days. You may also experience unexplained weakness and fatigue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
Another possible sign of rectal cancer is iron-deficiency anemia, which may occur as a result of blood loss.
While the exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, malignant tumors develop when cancerous cells grow out of control and multiply. These cells can penetrate and destroy healthy tissue. What sets off this process isn't always clear.
There are some inherited gene mutations that can increase your risk for rectal cancer. One of these is hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome. This disorder significantly raises the risk of colon and other cancers. In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing your colon as a preventive measure.
Another genetic condition that may cause rectal cancer is familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This is a rare disorder that can cause polyps to grow in the lining of the colon and rectum.
While these polyps start off as noncancerous, they may become malignant. In fact, most people with FAP develop cancer before the age of 50. Large bowel removal may also be a preventive surgery your doctor may recommend.
Like other types of cancers, rectal cancer can spread when cancerous cells grow in healthy tissue and travel to other areas of the body.
At first, rectal cancer may affect the tissues lining the rectum. In some cases, it affects the entire rectum. The cancer may then spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs, with the liver being commonly affected. Other possible areas of metastasis can include the:
While there's no single known cause of rectal cancer, a number of known factors may increase your risk for developing this cancer at some point. These include the following:
Other conditions that may increase risk include:
Some lifestyle factors that may play a role in colorectal cancer are:
Rectal cancer is diagnosed with a combination of the following:
Physical exam and screening testsThe doctor will likely begin by taking your medical history and performing a physical exam. This may include inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel for lumps.
The doctor might next recommend a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a sigmoidoscopy. The screening schedule for these tests will vary depending on your risk level. If these tests are positive for cancer, a colonoscopy is the next step.
ColonoscopyIn a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a thin tube with a light and camera at the end to view the inside of your rectum and colon. They can usually remove any polyps they find at this time.
During the colonoscopy, the doctor can also collect tissue samples for later examination in a lab. These samples can be viewed under a microscope to determine if they're cancerous. They can also be tested for genetic mutations associated with colorectal cancer.
Blood testsThe doctor may also order a blood test. A high level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a substance made by cancerous tumors, in your bloodstream may indicate rectal cancer.
Imaging testsOnce the doctor makes their diagnosis of rectal cancer, their next step is to determine how far it might have spread.
The doctor may use an endorectal ultrasound to examine your rectum and surrounding area. For this test, a doctor inserts a probe into your rectum to produce a sonogram, a type of image.
The doctor may use other imaging tests to look for signs of cancer throughout your body. These include:
No matter where it starts, cancer can spread, or metastasize, through tissue, the lymphatic system, or the bloodstream to reach other parts of the body.
Staging cancer indicates how far the cancer has progressed, which can help doctors decide the best treatment.
Below are the stages of rectal cancer.
Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ)Only the innermost layer of the rectum wall contains abnormal cells.
Stage 1Cancer cells have spread past the innermost layer of the rectum wall but not to lymph nodes.
Stage 2Cancer cells have spread into or through the outer muscle layer of the rectum wall but not to lymph nodes. This is often referred to as stage 2A. In stage 2B, the cancer has spread into the abdominal lining.
Stage 3Cancer cells have spread through the outermost muscle layer of the rectum and to one or more lymph nodes. Stage 3 is often broken up into substages 3A, 3B, and 3C based on the amount of lymph node tissue affected.
Stage 4Cancer cells have spread to distant sites, like the liver or lungs.
You can also ask your doctor about clinical trials that might be a good fit. Many current therapies for cancer began as clinical trials. These trials may try different combinations of current treatment, treatments that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other conditions, or new treatments.
In some cases, therapy as part of a clinical trial may be covered by insurance or covered by a sponsor of the trial.
Clinical trials can help advance scientists' understanding of cancer and investigate new treatment options. Participating may offer additional options for your treatment. You can learn more about clinical trials for rectal cancer at the National Cancer Institute.
Rectal cancer may spread outside of the rectum, eventually affecting surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and organs.
You may also be at risk of developing second cancers, which occur after treatment of the initial cancer. Rectal cancer may especially increase the risk of secondary cancers affecting the:
A diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the early stages, before it spreads, can improve your chances of survival.
According to the CDC and the American Cancer Society, the best way to reduce your overall risk for developing colorectal cancer is to begin regular screenings beginning at age 45. Depending on family history, genetics, and other risk factors, your doctor may recommend screenings sooner than this.
Colon and rectal cancer can be diagnosed early when discovered through routine screenings, such as a routine colonoscopy or stool test. Highly sensitive stool tests can detect the presence of cancer. If abnormal cells are discovered, a timely colonoscopy should also be performed.
You may also be able to help prevent rectal cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle and eliminating related risk factors such as inactivity, smoking, and eating red or processed meats.
Advances in treatment over the last few decades have improved the overall outlook for people with rectal cancer. In fact, many cases of rectal cancer can be treated successfully.
It's also important to consider the 5-year survival rate, which is determined based on the average number of people who are alive after 5 years or being diagnosed with a certain type of cancer and its stage. The overall 5-year survival rate for rectal cancer is 67 percent for all stages combined.
The 5-year relative survival rate by stage is:
It's important to note that these figures are based on information between 2010 and 2016. Since then, treatments may have been modified and improved. These numbers may not reflect current survival rates.
For people with rectal cancer, your outlook can depend on other factors that can include:
When it comes to your individual outlook, the best source of information is your own doctor.
Rectal cancer, commonly referred to as colorectal cancer, is common in both the United States and worldwide. The symptoms of rectal cancer may not appear until the later stages, which makes early, regular screenings an important factor in both detection and treatment.
Treatment and screening options may continue to evolve, but it's also important to reduce your own risk if you can. Talk with your doctor about any personal concerns you have about rectal cancer risks, and whether you're experiencing any unusual bowel-related symptoms.
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