Supporting Loved Ones Through Cancer
- Actress Jessica Alba’s cancer advocacy stems from those close to her dealing with the disease. The 43-year-old actress’ father was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021, and her close friend passed away this year after a four-year stage 4 colorectal cancer battle.
- Alba’s first-hand perspective of her friend’s cancer journey encouraged her to undergo a colonoscopy, which found a large polyp the doctor removed during the procedure. Alba said being proactive about screening “most likely saved my life.”
- Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened. Screenings are recommended beginning at age 45. However, if you have a family history of this cancer, your doctor may suggest screening sooner.
- A colonoscopy is a procedure doctors use to screen for colon cancer by looking inside your colon. While there are benefits to getting a colonoscopy, including the doctor’s ability to remove precancerous polyps in real time, other screening methods also exist.
- Colon cancer symptoms will most notably impact your bowel habits. If you notice a change in your bowel habits or changes in your stool, talk to your doctor. Things like abdominal pain and unintended weight loss may also be symptoms.
Although Alba approached supporting the cancer warriors in her life with a cloud of positivity, their experiences also led her to be proactive and seek out early cancer screenings for herself — a move she says saved her life.
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Hynek passed away in February 2024 at the age of 49 after a four-year cancer battle.
Alba said Hynek’s diagnosis served as a “huge wake-up call” for her. She went to get a colonoscopy as a preventative measure despite not showing any symptoms.
A couple of years after Hynek’s diagnosis, Alba revealed on social media that her father had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
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This kind of cancer is “a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland,” the National Cancer Institute explains. Symptoms of this cancer may include a hoarse voice, lump or pain in the neck, or difficulty swallowing.
“Hoarseness may be a sign of thyroid cancer, but it is much more commonly due to non-alarming issues, such as voice overuse, allergies, or reflux,” Dr. Allen Ho, a head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, previously told SurvivorNet.
“If hoarseness does not improve over six weeks or gets progressively worse, then one should go seek medical attention, specifically an otolaryngologist who can assess the vocal cords directly in clinic,” Dr. Ho added.
RELATED: 7 Common Signs of Thyroid Cancer and How to Spot Them
Alba’s tone regarding her father’s diagnosis was positive. A video showed her and her father dancing while he claimed he was going to “slay” treatment for the disease.
Expert Resources on Colorectal Cancer
- Alcohol Intake Has a Big Impact on Colon Cancer Surgery
- Can The Stuff In My Gut Cause Cancer? There May Be a Link to Increased Rates of Colon CancerHere’s What The Experts Say
- ‘You Shouldn’t Die From Embarrassment’: Colon Cancer Can Be Prevented
- 5 Possible Signs of Colon Cancer; Don’t Be Afraid to Look in the Toilet!
Understanding the Signs of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer starts when polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don’t have these polyps removed, they can sometimes turn into cancer. It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts.
The American Cancer Society and the American Gastrointestinal Association recommend that colorectal screening begin at age 45. However, it is best to discuss your screening timeline with your doctor.
WATCH: How Doctors Look for Polyps.
Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened.
The screening usually involves a colonoscopy, in which a long, thin tube attached to a camera examines the colon and rectum. If no polyps are discovered, the following screening won’t be needed for ten years.
“We know that colon cancers can be prevented when polyps are found early,” colorectal surgeon and surgical oncologist Dr. Heather Yeo told SurvivorNet. “Lowering the screening age helps somewhat with this, but access to care is a real problem,” Yeo added.
In addition to keeping up to date with screening, it’s important to be away of colon cancer symptoms and warning signs, which may include:
- Change in bowel movement
- Bloody stool
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling the bowel does not empty completely
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant abdominal pain or cramps
If you notice symptoms or changes in your body, it’s essential to discuss them with your doctor promptly.
Remaining Positive After a Diagnosis
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, remember that your life does not have to come to a complete stop. You can and should continue doing things that keep your emotional health in a positive space.
According to SurvivorNet experts, prioritizing your overall well-being and continuing to do what you love can be very beneficial because it can positively influence your treatment outcomes.
WATCH: Find Moments of Joy During Treatment
“We know from good studies that emotional health is associated with survival, meaning better quality of life is associated with better outcomes,” Dr. Dana Chase, a gynecological oncologist at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, tells SurvivorNet.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When faced with a cancer diagnosis, it’s crucial to ask your doctor informed questions to understand your condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. These questions can serve as a starting point for your discussion with your doctor so you can feel empowered and informed as you navigate your cancer journey.
- What type and stage of cancer do I have, and what does this mean for my prognosis?
- What treatment options are available, and what are the potential benefits and risks?
- How will the proposed treatment plan impact my daily life, including work, family, and social activities?
- Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments I may be eligible for?
- How can I manage treatment side effects and maintain my overall well-being during treatment?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.