{
  "id": 17390534,
  "title": "Man, 28, Blames Bowel Symptoms on Lifelong Condition—Then Gets Diagnosis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/man-28-blames-bowel-symptoms-on-lifelong-condition-then-gets-diagnosis",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/man-blames-bowel-symptoms-on-ulcerative-colitis-before-colon-cancer-diagnosis-12629667"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mitchell Ferguson, 28, from Ohio, had lived with ulcerative colitis for his entire life. When he went for a colonoscopy in January due to blood in his stool and frequent bowel movements, he assumed it was a flare-up of the chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 10, Ferguson was aware of the increased risk of colorectal cancer with prolonged condition. During his colonoscopy, doctors found a 3-centimeter growth, leading to the removal of his colon and 190 lymph nodes in March. Four nodes tested positive for stage 3 colon cancer, with the disease spreading to nearby lymph nodes but not other parts of the body. Ferguson's wife, Katelyn, expressed shock at how quickly the cancer had developed, as it had not been detected since 2025. Most colorectal cancers take around 10 years to develop from polyps, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Ferguson is puzzled by the rapid growth and the cancer diagnosis came just before his first oncology appointment, during which they had to put down their cat due to liver and gallbladder issues. Ferguson underwent chemotherapy, experiencing adverse reactions and the week before his final treatment, he contracted a Cyclospora infection from lettuce. The couple faced numerous challenges throughout the year, balancing medical treatments, pet care, and limited social activities. However, they found strength in their support system, including family and friends who gifted them $1,000 in grocery vouchers. Ferguson now views each day as a gift, appreciating the moments of relaxation and the support of his loved ones during this challenging year.",
  "summary": "After living with ulcerative colitis since childhood, Mitchell Ferguson thought his symptoms were nothing out of the ordinary.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mitchell Ferguson, 28, lived with ulcerative colitis his entire life",
    "Colonoscopy revealed 3cm growth, leading to colon removal and lymph node biopsy",
    "Cancer diagnosed just before first oncology appointment, rapid growth baffling"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}