Dr. Lauren Juyia shares her experience to raise awareness about early symptoms often overlooked in colon cancer

Dr Lauren Juyia, a gynaecologist, has become a beacon of hope and awareness in the fight against colon cancer after diagnosing herself with stage 4 of the disease in 2022 at the age of 37. Her journey, marked by two seemingly mild symptoms, highlights the importance of vigilance and self-advocacy in health care, especially regarding conditions that often go unnoticed.

In August 2022, Dr Juyia began experiencing persistent fatigue, a symptom she initially attributed to the rigours of daily life and the natural ageing process. However, this fatigue was soon accompanied by an unsettling sense of pelvic heaviness, which led her to suspect that something was amiss. Many people, she noted, might dismiss these early signs as trivial or age-related, just as she did at first.

As her symptoms progressed, the feeling of heaviness intensified, evolving into what Dr. Juyia described as a “pelvic mass.” This pivotal moment prompted her to seek medical attention, leading to an ultrasound that would ultimately change her life. The ultrasound revealed unusually large masses near her ovary, triggering a cascade of medical consultations that confirmed her worst fears: she had stage 4 colon cancer.

During a recent appearance on Good Morning America, Dr. Juyia recounted her startling discovery. Drawing from her medical expertise, she recognised the mass’s size in terms commonly used in obstetrics, likening it to a “16-week-size mass.” Despite her medical background, she initially suspected ovarian cancer due to the mass’s location. However, further investigations revealed the true nature of her condition.

After consulting with two additional doctors and seeking multiple opinions, Dr Juyia observed that the mass’s size escalated alarmingly, growing from 8 cm to 24 cm within just two weeks. This rapid increase in size led her to a chilling conclusion: “I had never seen anything benign grow that quickly,” she said, realising the gravity of her situation.

Dr. Juyia’s experience underscores the critical importance of listening to one’s body and being proactive about health concerns. Many individuals may ignore subtle symptoms or attribute them to less serious conditions, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of overlooking seemingly mild signs that could indicate more serious underlying issues.

In sharing her journey, Dr Juyia aims to raise awareness about colon cancer and educate others on the early warning signs to watch for. Fatigue and pelvic discomfort may seem innocuous, but they can signal the need for further evaluation and investigation. By advocating for increased awareness and vigilance, Dr. Juyia hopes to empower others to seek medical advice promptly and potentially save lives.

As the medical community continues to fight against cancer, stories like Dr. Juyia’s emphasise the vital role of self-advocacy and education in early detection and treatment. Her commitment to raising awareness about colon cancer reflects a broader mission to ensure that individuals do not suffer in silence, urging everyone to take their health seriously and act on any concerning symptoms.