Young Survivor’s Triumph Over Colorectal Cancer

Quick Smiles:

• Shakilya beat Stage 2a colorectal cancer and achieved remission!
• Healthy lifestyle warrior now advocates for health equity.
• Persistent symptoms led to life-saving colonoscopy discovery.

Shakilya Carpenter, a 35-year-old cellular molecular biology student from New Jersey, surprised everyone with her colorectal cancer diagnosis despite a pescatarian diet, regular exercise, and no family history.

Starting in 2020 amid COVID-19, she experienced severe stomach cramps she initially linked to anxiety, followed by constipation and eventually blood in her stool.

“I began getting abrupt and very severe stomach cramps, but I associated that with anxiety,” Carpenter shares.

A gastroenterologist ordered a colonoscopy after she fasted and saw more blood, revealing the tumor despite initial thoughts of hemorrhoids.

“From my studies, I knew that if you see blood in your stool, you either have hemorrhoids, or you have a problem,” she explains.

Diagnosed with Stage 2a cancer in the sigmoid colon, she underwent surgery to remove most of it and navigated treatment challenges with resilience.

“Everything is looking good, and I’m close to that five-year survival mark,” she celebrates.

Now partnering with the American Cancer Society, Carpenter promotes awareness amid rising colorectal cancer rates in adults under 50.

Embrace your health journey with vigilance—early action and advocacy can lead to stories like Shakilya’s full recovery!

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