**The Importance of Advocacy: One Woman’s Battle Against Colon Cancer**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Gabby-Zappia-1-032526-6adfa13640534f1ea4496e37c213e4fa.jpg)
In a harrowing account that highlights the necessity for self-advocacy in medical evaluations, Gabby Zappia recounted her troubling journey to a colon cancer diagnosis. During her third pregnancy in April 2024, Zappia noticed alarming symptoms, including blood in her stool, which initially led to a bevy of dismissive responses from healthcare professionals. At the time, Zappia was merely advised that it was likely a case of pregnancy-related haemorrhoids, and she was told to monitor the situation.
At the age of 36, and experiencing a pregnancy that felt markedly different from her previous two, Zappia found herself justifying persistent discomfort. “Being a little older, having two young children to chase around, and it being my third pregnancy contributed to my decision to downplay my symptoms,” she said. Unfortunately, the bleeding continued, growing in frequency and urgency, accompanied by extreme fatigue, constipation, and pain in her lower back.
As she faced her due date in June 2024, her condition worsened significantly. In an alarming episode, she noted that the blood was not just persistent—it was alarming in volume. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Zappia was rushed to the emergency room. While the medical team assured her the issue was unrelated to her baby, her concerning symptoms remained largely unexamined, with a suggestion that further investigation could wait until after she gave birth.
On June 25, 2024, Zappia welcomed her son without complications, yet she continued to be troubled by her earlier symptoms. Following her discharge from the hospital, she attempted to follow up but learned that a referral to a gastrointestinal specialist would require a wait of three months. Despite the persistent nature of her symptoms, she initially assumed there was no urgency in obtaining an appointment, which ultimately delayed her diagnosis.
By October 2024, Zappia finally saw the specialist, where initial tests indicated the presence of blood. The doctor’s immediate response confirmed her worst fears when the results showed a significant amount of blood in her stool test. “My heart sank,” she recalled. “In that moment, I knew this was something more serious.”
Although Zappia was still encouraged to consider haemorrhoids as a potential issue, a colonoscopy was scheduled to inspect further. As she prepared for the procedure, her symptoms escalated alarmingly, with visible blood and clots manifesting during her colon preparation. The colonoscopy results revealed that a large mass was obstructing her colon; the diagnosis was shocking but provided validation to Zappia’s long-held concerns.
Following immediate surgery to remove the mass, further imaging revealed lesions on her liver and a stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis. Subsequent treatment involved chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with additional surgeries to remove tumours as her situation evolved. Zappia underwent two further operations, the latest of which occurred in March 2026 as she continued her battle against the disease.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, making Zappia’s story all the more pertinent. A study published in January 2026 indicated that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 50. Zappia’s oncologist, Dr Pashtoon Kasi, asserted that with the right treatment, even in stage 4 colorectal cancer, a cure is still a possibility. He noted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and emerging immunotherapies.
Zappia’s experience underscores the need for patients to advocate for themselves actively. “If I could offer a piece of advice, I would say trust your body,” she advised. “You know yourself best. If something feels amiss, persist until you receive the answers you deserve.”
Now 37, Zappia aims to inspire others to take their health seriously and seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early detection for colorectal cancer. “If sharing my story prompts even one person to catch their cancer earlier or encourages one doctor to thoughtfully consider their symptoms, then this journey has purpose,” she remarked.
Her resonant message emphasises that one’s voice and instinct can indeed save lives—a truth that Zappia wishes she had acted upon sooner in her own narrative. As she continues her treatment and advocacy, Zappia remains hopeful, determined to empower others in their health journeys, and above all, to encourage proactive efforts in pursuing medical care.