Young Woman's Colon Cancer Misdiagnosis Shocks

Azucena Reyes, a 43-year-old from Alvin, Texas, endured months of severe stomach pain and nausea, initially dismissed due to her age and race. After numerous ER visits between August and October 2015, she underwent emergency surgery and was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer at 32. Initially misdiagnosed with intestinal inflammation, Reyes faced significant fear for her family's well-being.

Her treatment involved 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a stark contrast to the initial prognosis. Despite experiencing side effects like fatigue and swelling, Reyes found peace by avoiding online research of her condition. She is now cancer-free for over a decade as of October 2026 and actively advocates for colon cancer awareness.

Reyes's advocacy extends to urging others, like her brother, to get screened early, highlighting the critical need for vigilance. She focuses on supporting the Spanish-speaking community, having experienced a lack of guidance herself. Her work with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance aims to provide the support she wished she had during her own challenging journey.