Joe Faratzis, now 34, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer at the age of 28. His diagnosis came as a shocking revelation after months of ignoring symptoms that he later realized were warning signs of cancer. Now, Faratzis is sharing his story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to encourage others to pay attention to the subtle signs their bodies may be giving them.
The Early Signs He Overlooked
Faratzis, a TMZ producer, admitted that he dismissed his symptoms as less serious health issues for months. It wasn’t until 2019, after enduring these symptoms for an extended period, that he finally sought a colonoscopy. The results were devastating, but Faratzis’s story serves as a powerful reminder to take early screenings seriously.
Here are the six warning signs he wishes he had acted on sooner:
1. Sweating and Night Sweats
Faratzis experienced night sweats, a common symptom of advanced colon cancer. Dr. Cathy Eng, a professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains that night sweats, fatigue, chronic anemia, and weight loss can be red flags for colon cancer. Faratzis, however, brushed off the sweats as something insignificant.
2. Lower Right Abdominal Pain
Pain in the lower right abdomen can indicate issues with the ascending colon. Faratzis felt this pain early on but didn’t connect it to something serious. Instead, he dismissed it and didn’t seek medical advice until it was too late.
3. Frequent Bathroom Trips
Faratzis noticed the need to use the bathroom more frequently, which was unusual for him. He dismissed this symptom, not realizing it could be a sign of colorectal cancer.
4. Abdominal Cramps When Bending Over
Every time Faratzis bent over, he experienced intense abdominal cramps. At the time, he thought it was a minor issue and didn’t seek help. Looking back, he now sees it as a key indicator that something more serious was going on.
5. Constipation and Cramps
Constipation, along with abdominal cramps, is a common symptom of colorectal cancer. Faratzis experienced both but failed to take action. He underestimated the severity of these symptoms and delayed seeking medical attention.
6. Blood in Stool
The most alarming symptom was blood in his stool, which Faratzis initially attributed to hemorrhoids. However, after noticing a significant amount of blood, he finally sought medical help. He described this as the “big catalyst” that prompted him to take his symptoms seriously.
His Journey to Recovery
After his diagnosis, Faratzis underwent intensive treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and operations to address cancerous lesions on his liver and lungs. His health began to improve, and by 2023, he celebrated his first clear CT scan. In April 2024, he marked one year of clear scans, a major milestone that brought him hope for the future.
The Importance of Early Detection
Faratzis deeply regrets not seeking medical attention earlier and believes that addressing his symptoms in 2019 could have prevented his advanced-stage diagnosis. Now, he is a passionate advocate for early screenings, stressing that “early detection could save your life.” His message is clear: knowing the warning signs of cancer and taking action promptly can make all the difference.
Faratzis’ story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone experiencing persistent, unusual symptoms. Don’t wait—take action before it’s too late.
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