Two years ago, Corina Ramirez was 35 years-old and had it all.
“I’m a mom of two, at the time of my life,” said Ramirez
Then she heard the news that changed her life.
"I started to experience pain on my sides," said Ramirez. "The pain got worse to the point I had to go to the emergency room. I was told that I had a mass in the middle of my cecum. Now I’m 35-years-old, two kids, no cancer history in my family.”
Ramirez said initially, the news was hard to grasp and understand. But she’s not alone.
According to a report published in USA Today, someone born in 1990 has double the risk of early colon cancer and quadruple the risk of early rectal cancer as someone born in 1950.
“I read these articles where there are people my age, if not younger that are in there asking questions, trying to figure out why,” Ramirez said.
Raed Al-Rajabi is an oncologist at the University of Kansas Medical Center and treats Ramirez. He says family history is one factor, but perhaps the biggest factor for the younger generations is obesity. It may sound simple, but a healthy lifestyle, eating fruits and vegetables, and weight loss can help curb those rising numbers.
Ramirez is currently taking part in a clinical trial at KU and is currently a two-year survivor.
Common symptoms of colon and rectal cancer include; blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abrupt weight loss for no reason, and rectal pain. If you experience any of these, go see a doctor right away.
Friday, March 3 is National Dress in Blue Day. You’re asked to wear blue, in an effort to bring attention to colon cancer and celebrate the courage of those affected by this disease.
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Kevin Holmes can be reached at Kevin.Holmes@KSHB.com
