Routine Blood Work Reveals Hidden Cancer

Ian Ferguson, 37, discovered he had early-stage colon cancer thanks to a routine blood test during a regular physical. He had no noticeable symptoms at the time, but the test revealed microscopic blood loss. His physician then recommended a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Leads to Life-Saving Surgery

The colonoscopy at Mount Sinai Medical Center confirmed the diagnosis, and Ferguson underwent successful surgery to remove the growth. He stated he requested the blood work simply because “it had been a while” since his last check-up. Initially, doctors recommended iron pills and a follow-up blood test due to some anomalies.

Rising Cases in Younger Adults

Ferguson’s age and family history prompted doctors to recommend the colonoscopy. “They found a growth,” he said. “Thankfully, they caught it early. I was able to get surgery done and get it pulled out.” Because of the early detection, he avoided chemotherapy and radiation and is now cancer-free, requiring only annual colonoscopies.

Recognizing Subtle Signs

While Ferguson lacked typical colorectal cancer symptoms, he acknowledged potential subtle signs like fatigue. The biggest red flags linked to colorectal cancer include ongoing bleeding, persistent anemia, and changes in bowel habits, according to medical professionals.

Doctor Confirms Increase in Young Patients

Dr. Kiranmayi Palla Muddasani, MD, a staff surgeon in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, has observed a significant increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger patients. “When I started my practice, I would see maybe one every six months, one or two cases a year. And now I see literally one to two cases a month,” she told Fox News Digital.

Environmental Factors and Prevention

Dr. Muddasani suspects an environmental factor may be contributing to this trend, noting diagnoses even in healthy individuals like triathletes and vegans. She recommends a yearly or bi-yearly complete blood count and basic metabolic panel. A high-fiber diet, regular exercise, and avoiding processed meats can also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

“Patients with right-sided cancers can get to a very advanced stage while having no symptoms,” Dr. Muddasani explained. Ferguson encourages everyone to get regular blood work, regardless of age, stating, “It’s not difficult to do – there’s really no excuse to not do it.” He emphasized the importance of taking medical professionals’ advice seriously.