Carol Knickerbocker, a 53-year-old woman from North Carolina, shared her inspirational story of overcoming stage 3 colorectal cancer in a recent interview with Jala News. Her journey began when her husband urged her to get a colonoscopy after he had one himself and received a clean bill of health.
During her recovery from the colonoscopy in January 2023, Carol received the devastating news of her cancer diagnosis. She made the brave decision to undergo a new treatment called immunotherapy and ultimately had her colon removed entirely due to an 80% chance of cancer recurrence.
Dr. David Hiller, a Colon and Rectal Surgeon at Novant Health, shed light on the increasing rates of colon cancer and pre-cancerous polyps in younger individuals. He emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as bleeding, changes in bowel function, or unexplained pain.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Carol is now cancer-free and continues to receive regular full-body scan treatments. She plans to see Dr. Hiller for follow-up care and remains optimistic about her future.
As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is recognized in March, Carol hopes that sharing her story will inspire others to prioritize their health and get screened for early detection and treatment. By advocating for proactive measures, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of early intervention in the fight against colorectal cancer.
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