Facing a Cancer Diagnosis: Candace Tucker’s Story

Candace Tucker, like many in her family, often thought about cancer. Her grandfather struggled with prostate cancer, her grandmother with breast cancer, and her aunt with pancreatic cancer. Tucker worked at an oncology practice in Texas, surrounded daily by cancer patients and doctors.

In September 2025, Tucker noticed strange bowel movements and slight bleeding. Busy with work and raising her 7-year-old grandson, she dismissed these symptoms, attributing them to her new high-fiber diet. After a few months, her discomfort grew, leading her to a colonoscopy.

I was terrified. I couldn’t believe it. Your mind goes to the worst possible scenario. I was crying, said Tucker, 41, reflecting on her diagnosis of Stage II rectal cancer.

Beginning Treatment

Dr. Bradley Scott Colton, a gastrointestinal oncologist at Texas Oncology, spearheaded Tucker’s treatment. He tested her tumor for DNA mutations and determined she needed chemotherapy, possibly surgery, and radiation. Learning about the intense treatment needed was overwhelming for Tucker.

Tucker started her chemotherapy, receiving medication bi-weekly. Her progress will determine the next steps. Dr. Colton emphasized the importance of aggressive treatment yet acknowledged Tucker’s positive response so far.

Candace Tucker receives chemotherapy: Despite initial concerns, she found chemotherapy surprisingly manageable most days. Her focus has remained on maintaining normalcy for her grandson, ensuring she attends his activities regardless of how she feels.

Recognizing Symptoms

Dr. Colton warned that symptoms of colorectal cancer are often overlooked. Persistent and unexplained bowel changes should prompt a visit to a gastrointestinal doctor. While temporary issues like food-related diarrhea aren’t alarming, persistent symptoms warrant medical attention.

Dr. Megan Turley, uninvolved in Tucker’s care, highlighted the seriousness of rectal bleeding. While not always indicative of cancer, it is abnormal.

Dr. Arif Kamal, from the American Cancer Society, noted an increase in colorectal cancer cases and deaths in those aged 20 to 49. This cancer is the leading cancer-related cause of death for people under 50. Possible reasons include diet, lifestyle, family history, and obesity.

Overcoming Stigma

Tucker hopes her story will reduce the stigma surrounding colorectal cancer. She discovered that several family members had the disease, information withheld due to embarrassment. Tucker advocates for openness about the illness, stressing that no one should be ashamed of having cancer.

Through sharing her diagnosis and seeing awareness raised by celebrity stories, Tucker aims to highlight the importance of recognizing cancer symptoms. Her focus remains on completing treatment and achieving a cancer-free life.

Looking forward to recovery: I’m excited to get all this done and to have this in the past,” Tucker remarked, expressing hope for the future.