In a deeply moving story that has touched millions online, Radwah Oda, a single mother from Texas, is opening up about her fight against stage four colon cancer. Balancing the demands of raising her young child, holding down a full-time office job, and coping with a life-threatening illness, Radwah has shown remarkable strength. Her decision to speak out publicly was not only courageous but also necessary — because her early symptoms were so subtle that she, like many others, dismissed them as harmless everyday issues.

Her story went viral on TikTok, amassing over 2.3 million views, after she posted a raw and emotional video describing the signs she ignored. In doing so, she has become a powerful voice urging people to take their health seriously and recognize red flags before it’s too late.

Changes in Stool – The First Warning Sign

Radwah revealed that one of her earliest symptoms was a noticeable change in her stool shape. What started as pencil-thin bowel movements gradually became more frequent. At first, she brushed it off, thinking it was nothing more than occasional constipation.

However, this symptom is one of the most overlooked red flags of colon cancer. Narrow stools can indicate an obstruction in the colon, which is why medical experts advise that even seemingly minor digestive changes should not be ignored.

Blood in Stool and the Feeling of Incomplete Relief

Another alarming symptom Radwah faced was the presence of small traces of blood in her stool. Believing it might be hemorrhoids, she avoided seeing a doctor immediately. In addition, she constantly felt that her bowels were never completely empty after using the restroom. “Each time I would use the restroom, I would feel like I still needed to go. I would keep pushing and pushing but nothing would come out,” she explained.

These seemingly minor complaints were actually her body’s way of signaling something much more serious.

Unexplained Pain That Spread Beyond the Abdomen

Radwah also described experiencing sharp pain under her right breast. At first, she thought it was caused by a tight bra strap or poor posture. Unfortunately, doctors later revealed that the pain was not superficial — it was a sign the cancer had already spread to her liver. This painful reality demonstrates why ignoring persistent or unusual aches can be dangerous, as pain is often one of the body’s earliest distress signals.

Chronic Fatigue and Weight Loss

Despite getting adequate rest, Radwah noticed she was constantly exhausted. She needed multiple naps during the day, yet never felt refreshed. Fatigue, combined with unintentional weight loss and poor appetite, are all well-documented symptoms of colon cancer. Radwah admits she blamed these changes on a “stomach bug,” but they were clear indicators of something much more severe.

Raising Awareness for Younger People

Radwah’s openness highlights an urgent medical trend: colon cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly. Research shows that increasing numbers of patients under 50 are being diagnosed. Younger adults, who often assume they are too young for serious illness, may delay seeking help, which contributes to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes.

Doctors stress that symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, bloody stools, chronic fatigue, or sudden changes in bowel habits should always be taken seriously, regardless of age.

A Plea for Vigilance

“If you have any of these symptoms, please don’t panic — but go see a doctor,” Radwah urged in her video. By bravely sharing her journey, she hopes to raise awareness and encourage people not to brush off their body’s warning signs.

The American Cancer Society reminds the public that early detection is crucial. When caught early, colon cancer is treatable and outcomes are significantly better. Sadly, because symptoms are often ignored, many patients only discover the disease at an advanced stage.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Radwah’s story is not just her personal battle — it’s a reminder for all of us. Listening to our bodies, taking symptoms seriously, and seeking medical attention early could be the difference between life and death. By speaking out, she has potentially saved countless others from walking the same painful path.