Candace Tucker often thought about cancer due to her family history. Her grandfather faced prostate cancer, her grandmother battled breast cancer, and her aunt had pancreatic cancer. Tucker not only had this personal connection but also worked in an oncology practice in a small Texas town. Surrounded by cancer patients and physicians daily, she saw the impact of the disease firsthand.
Despite her close encounters with cancer, Tucker ignored some alarming symptoms in September 2025. Strange bowel movements and traces of blood in her stool seemed minor. Her busy life, raising her 7-year-old grandson and adjusting her diet to include more fiber, provided reasonable distractions. However, after a few months, Tucker sensed something was wrong and decided to undergo a colonoscopy.
The procedure raised concerns about cancer, though the doctor cautioned it was too soon to confirm. A week later, pathology reports revealed Stage II rectal cancer, confirming Tucker’s fears. “I was terrified. I couldn’t believe it,” she said, striving to appear strong for her family.
Undergoing Aggressive Treatment
Tucker started treatment with gastrointestinal oncologist Dr. Bradley Scott Colton at Texas Oncology. The approach involved sampling her tumor to analyze its DNA for mutations. This analysis indicated she needed chemotherapy, surgery, and possibly radiation. The required intensity of her treatment was overwhelming.
At the time of speaking with CBS News, Tucker was approximately one-third through her chemotherapy. She received medication bi-weekly, with further tests planned to guide future treatment steps. “We are definitely trying to be as aggressive as we can be,” said Dr. Colton, emphasizing Tucker’s positive response to medication so far.
Tucker found chemotherapy manageable and focused on maintaining a sense of normalcy for her grandson. “I feel like it’s important to have normalcy,” she shared, determined to stay involved despite her physical challenges.
Recognizing Symptoms and Warning Signs
Dr. Colton has observed that many patients overlook symptoms of colorectal cancer. Lasting, unexplained changes in bowel habits should prompt a visit to a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor. Dr. Megan Turley, not involved in Tucker’s care, stresses that rectal bleeding is never normal, even if it’s not always cancer. Other warning signs include lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and changes in stool color or consistency.
The American Cancer Society reports a rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses and deaths among 20 to 49-year-olds. This cancer has become a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for those under 50. Diet, lifestyle, family history, and obesity are considered potential contributing factors.
Reducing Stigma
Tucker hopes her story diminishes the stigma surrounding colorectal cancer. Her aunt disclosed, only after Tucker’s diagnosis, that multiple relatives had experienced colorectal cancer. “Maybe I would have been more cautious if I knew,” Tucker reflected.
Her openness about her diagnosis aims to help others recognize colorectal cancer symptoms. She also hopes that public attention from celebrities addressing the disease will continue to raise awareness. Above all, Tucker looks forward to completing her treatment and cherishing a post-cancer life. “I’m excited to get all this done and to have this in the past,” she concluded.
Leave a Reply