Kristina Kelly emphasizes intuition and self-advocacy in healthcare

A woman named Kristina Kelly was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 36. She was a new mother, caring for two young daughters when she received the shocking news. Kristina credits her strong intuition for urging her to insist on a colonoscopy despite her doctor's reassurances that her symptoms were not serious. Kristina had been experiencing painful hemorrhoids and other symptoms for months. Doctors dismissed her worries, often attributing her condition to recent childbirth. However, she trusted her instincts and pushed for further testing. This decision ultimately saved her life, as the colonoscopy revealed a malignant tumor instead of just hemorrhoids. After her diagnosis in July 2023, Kristina quickly underwent surgery and began treatment. She met other young women who faced similar struggles, and they shared their experiences with colorectal cancer after childbirth. Many of them, like Kristina, had their symptoms overlooked due to their age and postpartum status. Fortunately, Kristina's treatment went well, and she is now in remission. She highlights the importance of early detection for colorectal cancer, emphasizing that screening can prevent many cases. Kristina believes that her worrying nature, which she once saw as a flaw, ended up being a critical factor in her early diagnosis. Now, Kristina is dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, especially in young women. She encourages others to trust their instincts when it comes to health concerns. She hopes that more people will advocate for necessary screenings and not ignore their symptoms.