Man Dies Two Months After Attributing Back Pain too “Old Age,” Raising Awareness of Discreet Cancer Symptom
PARIS - A 38-year-old man tragically died just two months after initially dismissing persistent back pain as simply “getting old,” unaware it was a symptom of advanced rectal cancer. his case, recently highlighted in reports, underscores the importance of taking even seemingly minor or unrelated symptoms seriously and seeking prompt medical attention.
After a month of escalating pain, the man finally sought medical help, only to receive a devastating diagnosis: stage four rectal cancer that had already spread to other parts of his body.He succumbed to the disease within weeks of the initial diagnosis. The case has prompted his former partner to urge others not to ignore potential warning signs and to overcome any fear of consulting a doctor.
The man’s family history played a notable role in his vulnerability. His father was diagnosed at age 13 with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary condition causing the growth of non-cancerous polyps in the intestine. These polyps can develop into cancerous tumors if left untreated, substantially increasing the risk of rectal cancer.
Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor developing from the rectal mucosa,affecting over 43,000 people annually in France. Experts at Gustave roussy detail critical symptoms to watch for, including changes in bowel habits, nausea, frequent urges to use the restroom, thinner stools, a sensation of incomplete bowel emptying, and blood in the stool. This case serves as a stark reminder that cancer can present with subtle or atypical symptoms, emphasizing the need for vigilance and early medical evaluation.