A Survivor’s Journey: Battling Rectal Cancer

Candace Tucker often found her thoughts occupied with cancer. Her family’s history included several alarming diagnoses: her grandfather with prostate cancer, grandmother with breast cancer, and aunt with pancreatic cancer. Tucker also worked in an oncology practice in her small Texas town, constantly surrounded by cancer patients and doctors.

Despite this, when Tucker noticed unusual bowel movements and blood in her stool in September 2025, she paid it no mind. Life was hectic. At work, she was busy, and at home, she cared for her 7-year-old grandson and supported him at baseball games. Her recent dietary changes to increase fiber intake led her to think these symptoms might not signal anything serious.

After a few months of mild discomfort and sporadic blood spotting, Tucker realized something was amiss. She underwent a colonoscopy. The procedure suggested a possible cancer diagnosis, but the outcome was uncertain at first. A week later, pathology results confirmed it: Stage II rectal cancer.

“I was terrified,” said Tucker, 41. “My mind went to the worst scenarios. I cried and immediately called my mother-in-law. My husband and grandson were there too. I wanted to stay strong for them, but it was so hard.”

Treatment Begins

Tucker swiftly began treatment with Dr. Bradley Scott Colton, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Texas Oncology. He started by analyzing her tumor’s DNA for mutations. The results indicated a need for chemotherapy, surgery, and perhaps radiation. The necessity for such intensive treatment felt overwhelming to Tucker.

Speaking with CBS News, Tucker was about a third through chemotherapy, receiving medication bi-weekly. Once this cycle ends, Colton will conduct further tests to decide on future treatment steps.

“It depends on her response, how she tolerates chemotherapy, and her lab results. We’re trying to be as aggressive as possible,” Colton stated. He praised Tucker as a “dream patient” who responded well so far.

For Tucker, the chemotherapy experience was better than anticipated. Her priority was maintaining normalcy in her grandson’s life. “I insist on keeping things normal. I told my husband, no matter how I feel, I’m going to be there for everything,” she said.

Recognizing Symptoms

Colton noted that patients too often overlook colorectal cancer symptoms, especially younger ones. Persistent, unexplained bowel changes should prompt a visit to a GI doctor.

“If your bowel changes last over a week or two, consult a GI specialist. Even if it’s not colorectal cancer, it might signal another gastrointestinal issue,” Colton advised.

Dr. Megan Turley, a colon and rectal surgeon at Texas Oncology, emphasized seriousness in rectal bleeding. “It’s not always cancer, but it’s never normal,” she explained. Other signs include lower abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, and changes in stool’s color or consistency.

Rising Concerns

Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer at the American Cancer Society, reported an increase in colorectal cancer cases and deaths in those aged 20 to 49. It’s now a leading cancer-related death cause under 50. While reasons are unclear, experts consider diet, lifestyle, family history, and obesity as potential factors.

Addressing Stigma

Tucker wants to decrease stigma around colorectal cancer by sharing her journey. Only after her diagnosis did she learn of multiple family members with colorectal cancer. Openly discussing her experience aims to prevent this information gap. “Maybe I’d have monitored symptoms more if informed,” she reflected.

She expressed hope that celebrity cases would further awareness. Above all, she looked forward to completing treatment and aspiring for a cancer-free future. “I’m eager to put this behind me, though it’ll always be in my mind,” Tucker shared.