Kentucky mom shares her colon cancer journey to save others

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center patient Patty Goering and physician researcher Tahir Latif spoke with WLWT about Goering's story of being diagnosed and treated for colon cancer at a young age.

When she was 48, Goering, of Cold Spring, Kentucky, mentioned some lingering symptoms she'd been brushing off to her doctor. After testing, doctors confirmed she had stage three colon cancer.

"I was fairly healthy, no family history of anything or cancer," Goering said.

Goering was treated with chemotherapy, responded well and is now in remission.

"I owe them my life. They saved my life," Goering said.

Latif, MBBS, said Goering's story is part of a growing trend of younger people being diagnosed with colorectal cancers.

"Five, 10 years ago, when we see a young person with colorectal cancer, we are surprised. Nowadays, it's becoming routine," said Latif, professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in UC's College of Medicine and director of infusion services at the UC Medical Center. "Every third or fourth patient is coming in at the age of under 50."

The American Cancer Society recommends people with no family history or symptoms should get their first colonoscopy at 45. For those with a family history of colon cancer, it is recommended to schedule a colonoscopy 10 years prior to the age your family member was when they were diagnosed.

Read or watch the WLWT story.

Featured photo at top of Tahir Latif. Photo/UC Health.