Superfit Woman, 33, Diagnosed with Incurable Cancer—The Shocking Symptom She Almost Ignored!

A 33-year-old woman who believed she was in perfect health was shocked to learn she had incurable colon cancer. She initially thought her symptoms were caused by an ill-fitting bra and a simple stomach bug.

Radwah Oda, a risk control analyst, first noticed stomach issues and chest pain in August 2021. However, she dismissed them, thinking she was too healthy for anything serious.

“I worked out up to five times a week and ate a clean diet,” she said. “So whenever I felt something, I thought it was nothing to worry about.”

For example, she assumed the pain under her right breast was from a tight bra. When she later saw blood in her stool, she believed it was due to a hernia.

“I didn’t make time for doctor’s visits and hadn’t had a check-up in years,” said Oda, who lives in Texas, USA.

However, when she started vomiting and having diarrhea, she finally went to the emergency room.

At the hospital, doctors agreed with her assumption that she had a simple stomach infection. They gave her fluids for dehydration and sent her home.

But a CT scan later revealed a shocking truth—she had stage four colon cancer, which had spread to her liver, forming 20 secondary tumors.

“When the doctor said it was cancer, the room seemed to close in around me,” she recalled. “I felt so small and overwhelmed by shock.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. I thought I had done everything right—eating healthy, exercising, using natural products. I never expected cancer at my age.”

Radwah began chemotherapy the following month, completing 12 rounds before undergoing three major surgeries.

-In May 2022, she had part of her colon and half of her liver removed.
-In December 2022, she had another surgery to remove more of her liver.
-In February 2024, she underwent a third operation to remove another section of her liver.
-She also experienced chest pain, likely caused by tumors affecting her liver, leading to fluid buildup around her
lungs.

She then tried a new chemotherapy drug, Lonsurf, but it made her very sick and failed to stop tumor growth.

Now, Oda is relying on a clinical trial for a new treatment. She is waiting for CT scans to see if it is working.

Meanwhile, she is determined to raise awareness about colon cancer symptoms, hoping others won’t ignore the warning signs like she did.

Symptoms of colon cancer include:

-Blood in the stool
-Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
-Abdominal pain and cramping

Living Life to the Fullest Despite Cancer
“Being diagnosed with stage four cancer in my 30s was something I never expected,” she said.

“My future plans had to change because of my health, but I won’t let cancer take away my happiness. This journey has taught me to be grateful, even in tough times.”

Since her diagnosis, she has created a bucket list and is slowly living her dreams while undergoing treatment.

“I want to swim with dolphins, visit the Grand Canyon, travel around Europe, and go on a safari,” she shared.

She encourages others to take their health seriously.

“Make time for your check-ups, and if something feels wrong, speak up. If you disagree with a doctor, advocate for yourself until you get the care you deserve.

“Looking back, I regret not pushing for more tests sooner. I wonder if I could have caught it earlier.”

A Rising Concern: Colon Cancer in Young People
Radwah’s case is part of a concerning trend—colon cancer rates among young adults have risen by 50% in the past 30 years.

Many experts blame poor diets and rising obesity rates, but this doesn’t explain cases in fit and healthy individuals.

BBC producer Molly Guinness, diagnosed with colon cancer at 39, recently highlighted this mystery. “I know five young people diagnosed with colon cancer this year. All of us are slim and eat healthy,” she wrote on social media.

Professor Karol Sikora, a top cancer expert, believes the answer may lie in changes to the gut microbiome—the collection of bacteria in our digestive system.

“A healthy microbiome is crucial for preventing bowel cancer,” he explained. “The gut’s bacteria influence cancer risk in ways we don’t fully understand yet.”

Other scientists believe factors like antibiotic use in childhood, reduced breastfeeding rates, vitamin deficiencies, and modern diets could all play a role.

Dr. Hendrik-Tobias Arkenau, an oncologist, said the rise in young adult colon cancer is “a real concern.” He believes multiple factors are at play, including changes in gut bacteria, diet, and vitamin levels.

For now, Radwah Oda is focused on fighting her battle and making the most of life. Her story is a powerful reminder to pay attention to health, no matter how fit you think you are.