Woman Who Survived Colon Cancer 3 Times Reveals the First Symptom She Noticed at 14: ‘I Hid It From Everyone’
AOL.com • • health
Key Points:
- Danielle Ripley-Burgess, a Missouri woman, was first diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer at age 17 after noticing blood in her stool at 14 but delaying medical consultation due to embarrassment.
- She was later diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition increasing the risk of several cancers, leading to multiple surgeries including a subtotal colectomy and preventative hysterectomy.
- Despite preventive measures, Ripley-Burgess faced a third colon cancer diagnosis at 39, resulting in a permanent ileostomy and removal of her remaining colon.
- She now advocates for early reporting of unusual symptoms, emphasizing the importance of not being embarrassed and seeking medical advice promptly to improve outcomes.
- Ripley-Burgess hopes her experience raises awareness about colon cancer risks, especially among young people, and encourages others to speak up about health concerns.
