It took the young American more than a year to discover the tumor, already in an advanced stage, which was obstructing his intestines
A woman troubled by her persistent belching discovered that her unusual problem was a symptom of cancer. The case happened to American nurse Bailey McBreen, 24, who was suffering from advanced colon cancer.
According to the “NY Post”, the young woman started burping in 2021 during a trip to Nashville with her boyfriend. “I burped 5 to 10 times a day,” she told the “NeedToKnow.Online” portal. “It wasn’t normal for me. I rarely burped before, which is why I noticed how weird it was.”
However, the publication says Bailey didn’t seek medical advice until February of last year, when she developed reflux. At the time, the medical team treated the case as a symptom of anxiety and released her.
After that, the young woman’s condition worsened until in January, when Bailey experienced “excruciating” pain, loss of appetite and even difficulty going to the bathroom, she returned to the hospital and finally received the diagnosis: third stage cancer with the tumor obstructing the large intestine.
“Never in a million years did I think that any vague symptoms I had were actually stage three colon cancer.” Bailey’s oncologist’s explanation was that belching was the first symptom of the disease.
“I believe this is related to my new gastroesophageal reflux, which started a little later, about a month after the excessive belching developed,” she added. The reflux, like the belching, was the result of intestinal obstruction caused by the cancer.
With the discovery, Bailey underwent emergency surgery in January to remove the tumor. Since then she has followed the treatment with chemotherapy sessions which should end in August.
Understand colon cancer
According to Artur Ferreira, oncologist at CPO/Oncoclínicas, most cases of colon cancer result from malignant transformation of the cells that cover the organs. That is, the problem tends to be serious. Therefore, caution must be exercised.
“They have numerous causes, among which overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and alcoholism stand out. In addition to the high consumption of red and processed meats, low fiber and vegetable intake, diabetes and infections such as hepatitis B and C, Helicobarter Pylori infection and Human Papillomavirus infection, HPV,” he explains.
Furthermore, according to Renata D’Alpino, leader of the specialty of gastrointestinal tumors, blood in the stool can be an early sign that something is not right for your health. “Many people tend to attribute this event to other conventional causes, such as hemorrhoids.
The doctor says that often the tumor is discovered only late, in the face of more severe symptoms. Such as, for example, anemia, constipation or diarrhea without apparent causes, weakness, gas and abdominal cramps or even weight loss.
*With information taken from a text published on December 29, 2022 on Terra Você.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
