Dismissed by ER, Woman Fights for Colon Cancer Diagnosis

Kalei Martin, a mother of two, initially experienced subtle symptoms like increased bathroom frequency and sharp stomach cramps in early 2026. These symptoms worsened, including rectal bleeding and the urgent need to use the bathroom with only blood passing. Despite seeking medical attention, her concerns were dismissed by a primary care physician and later by an ER doctor, who suggested it was likely an internal hemorrhoid.

Undeterred, Martin contacted a gastroenterology department directly, leading to an immediate colonoscopy. This procedure revealed stage 2 colorectal cancer with a T3 tumor. She underwent a rigorous treatment regimen of radiation and chemotherapy. Although initially declared cancer-free, follow-up scans in March 2025 revealed a nodule on her lung, which had grown by the next month.

Further tests confirmed the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, resulting in a stage 4 diagnosis. Martin underwent two lung surgeries within three weeks. She now shares her journey online to raise awareness about colorectal cancer in young adults, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's body and advocating for proper medical screenings and answers.

Her experience has profoundly changed her perspective, and she credits her faith and her husband's unwavering support for her strength. Martin's advocacy has led to hundreds of messages from individuals who were prompted by her story to seek medical evaluation. She hopes her journey encourages more young people to recognize symptoms and push for necessary diagnostics before disease progression.