Colorectal Cancer Patient Stories
Get to know our incredible patient ambassadors below. Read their full stories on our social media channels, and share them with the people you care about, so they too know more.
Michael’s Story
🇩🇪
Age at diagnosis:
29
About me:
I am 36 now. Where I live, I am surrounded by the beautiful Alps, living with my wife and our two young daughters. I enjoy mountain climbing, snowboarding and making music on the guitar and ukulele.
My CRC story:
I love food but have always had ups and downs with my digestion. Then, just after Christmas one year, I found blood in my stool. I work in oncology, and a little voice told me it could be colon cancer – I think I just knew. The diagnosis still hit me like a train.
Read my full story on:
Marcos’ Story
🇵🇹
Age at diagnosis:
29
About me:
I am 32 now and I live in the north of Portugal. I am a travel director, running tours around Europe, mainly in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. I live by myself, but my mum is one of my neighbours!
My CRC story:
The year before I was diagnosed was extremely stressful workwise. I had noticed for a few weeks that my digestive system wasn’t working properly. The first doctor I saw diagnosed me with stress, but a second opinion sent me for a colonoscopy that discovered the tumour. I knew something wasn’t right and I’m glad I listened.
Read my full story on:
Mila’s Story
🇪🇸
Age at diagnosis:
26
About me:
I love coffee, yoga, long walks, cooking and baking, music, playing drums, and spending time with my family and friends.
My CRC story:
I had an alarming blood test that revealed very low iron levels, but still found my concerns dismissed because it ‘wasn’t an emergency’ and I was ‘too young’ for anything serious. I knew that wasn’t right. I kept pushing until finally, we learned it was Colorectal Cancer (CRC). Listening to that gut feeling is the reason I can share my story today.
Read my full story on:
Andi’s Story
🇷🇴
Story coming soon!
Learn More About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Can Affect Anyone: CRC isn’t just for older individuals. Some of the patient ambassadors featured in this campaign were first diagnosed in their 30s.
Know Your Risks: Factors like age, family history, lifestyle choices, and even environmental exposures can increase your risk.
By spreading awareness, encouraging screenings, and promoting healthy lifestyle changes, ECCAM aims to reduce the impact of CRC across Europe.
Because of course #🍑IYKYK
