Amidst her family’s troubling history with cancer, Candace Tucker lived every day surrounded by reminders of the disease. Tragedies like her grandfather’s prostate cancer, her grandmother’s breast cancer, and her aunt’s pancreatic cancer loomed large. Working in an oncology clinic in Texas, she was daily in contact with both cancer patients and doctors. In spite of these warnings, she initially dismissed her own symptoms.
In September 2025, Tucker noticed unusual bowel movements and traces of blood in her stool. At the time, she attributed these changes to a new high-fiber diet. Raising a 7-year-old grandson and maintaining a busy work schedule preoccupied her thoughts, so the symptoms seemed minor. However, after months of discomfort and spotting occasional blood, concern grew. A colonoscopy confirmed her fears: Stage II rectal cancer.
“I was terrified. I couldn’t believe it,” Tucker, aged 41, confessed. “Your mind quickly imagines the worst. I cried when I received the news, immediately seeking comfort from my family.” She strove to remain strong for her husband and grandson, though maintaining composure was challenging.
Treatment with Determination
Tucker consulted Dr. Bradley Scott Colton, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Texas Oncology. Colton conducted a test on Tucker’s tumor DNA and discovered it required chemotherapy, surgery, and possibly radiation. The intensity of the treatment plan initially overwhelmed Tucker.
By the time Tucker spoke to CBS News, she had completed one-third of her chemotherapy course, receiving treatment every two weeks. Post-chemotherapy tests will determine subsequent steps. Dr. Colton emphasized adopting an aggressive approach, citing Tucker’s resilience and responsiveness to the medication.
Tucker described chemotherapy as manageable, not as severe as expected. She prioritized creating a sense of normalcy for her grandson. “Maintaining routine is vital,” Tucker insisted. “Regardless of feeling unwell, I make every effort to participate in family events.”
Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Action
Dr. Colton noted that patients frequently disregard the symptoms of colorectal cancer. Common changes in bowel habits, if persistent and unexplained, warrant medical attention. “Temporary bowel issues after bad food are normal, but persistent symptoms should prompt a visit to a GI doctor,” he advised. Ignoring these signs might delay vital diagnoses for serious gastrointestinal issues, including cancer.
Dr. Megan Turley from Texas Oncology, not involved in Tucker’s care, emphasized the importance of addressing blood in the stool. “Rectal bleeding demands evaluation. It’s not necessarily cancer, but further assessment is necessary,” she stated.
Dr. Arif Kamal from the American Cancer Society mentioned a troubling rise in colorectal cancer cases and fatalities among individuals aged 20 to 49. The cause for this increase remains uncertain, though factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, and obesity may contribute.
Addressing Stigma with Advocacy
Tucker highlighted the stigma she perceives around colorectal cancer. She discovered previously unshared family connections to colorectal cancer only after her diagnosis. “If I had known my family’s history, perhaps I would have heeded warning signs,” Tucker speculated. She feels the silence around colorectal cancer arises from societal taboos and seeks to challenge such views.
By openly sharing her story, Tucker hopes to encourage awareness. She pointed to several high-profile figures who have helped highlight the disease. Tucker remains optimistic about completing treatment and embracing a cancer-free future. “I’m eager to leave this chapter behind,” Tucker expressed, though acknowledging the shadow of cancer might linger.