Woman’s Health Complaints Were Ignored for Years Before a Colonoscopy Found a Tumor

A woman who spent years trying to get answers about troubling symptoms was eventually diagnosed with cancer after a colonoscopy revealed a tumor.

For about five years, Jessica Sanchez’s ongoing problems — including constipation, heavy bleeding, night sweats and severe fatigue — were repeatedly brushed aside.

The 40-year-old mother of two later learned that biopsies identified rectal adenocarcinoma, the most common type of rectal cancer, which forms in the glandular cells lining the last part of the large intestine.

“Receiving news of my tumor after waking up, I immediately felt validated and confirmation of what my intuition felt,” Sanchez told Newsweek. “But at the same time, scared and frustrated, knowing how long I suffered with symptoms.”

She said the physical strain only made it harder to push for answers.

“Being a mom of two special-needs kids and having no energy, poor sleep and your body not functioning correctly no matter what you add [or] subtract from your lifestyle is extremely frustrating,” she added.

Doctors performed a biopsy during the procedure, but Sanchez said she was told she would need to wait until a follow-up appointment the next week for the results. She is now undergoing CT and MRI scans to determine the cancer stage and whether it has spread.

Looking back, Sanchez said she often accepted assurances that her symptoms were caused by minor issues, even though her instincts told her otherwise.

“I regret not advocating fiercely, demanding another opinion, requesting they document their refusal in my charts,” Sanchez said. “I want to tell women to be loud and make waves. Being polite and compliant while feeling dismissed will not get you the answers you need [or] deserve.”

As she deals with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, Sanchez said she has leaned on the steady support of friends and family.

Watching people “drop everything” to help has been one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.

“I'm learning to hold space for both deep sadness and immeasurable gratitude,” Sanchez said.

By sharing her story online, Sanchez hopes to raise awareness about medical dismissal and encourage others to speak up for themselves.

“I’ve never been one to cry on the internet, but I’ve spent most of my life suffering in silence,” she said. “If I genuinely want to build connection and help other people, I absolutely have to be transparent and get over my fear of being seen.”