I had stage 4 colon cancer at 32 — these are the symptoms I missed

A survivor is sharing the colorectal cancer symptoms she missed in the hopes of helping others.

About 150,000 Americans are diagnosed annually with colorectal cancer , which occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control.

Children’s book author Elayne Gorham , who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 32, initially chalked her red flags up to postpartum symptoms.

“I had just had a baby, so I really didn’t think anything was wrong. What can you learn from me? Don’t be me. Educate yourself, know the symptoms, and then advocate for yourself.”

Children’s book author Elayne Gorham, who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 32, initially chalked her red flags up to postpartum symptoms. TikTok/elaynegorhumauthor

Early-onset colorectal cancer — that is, in