Meet Eric

“Had I known to get screened early, I would not have had six surgeries. I would not have had eight chemotherapy sessions.”

NAME: Eric S.
AGE: 45
HOMETOWN: Merrick
CONDITION: Colon Cancer

Meet Eric S., 45, of Merrick, NY

In February 2018, Eric S., 45, an acclaimed chef at a Manhattan-based restaurant, and father of two small children, noticed blood in his bowel movements and had struggles swallowing. His family GI doctor referred him to Mount Sinai South Nassau for a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Further testing by Dr. Rajiv Datta, chair of the Department of Surgery and medical director of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer, revealed a large tumor in his colon and Eric was diagnosed with advanced stage 3C colon cancer.

About Colon Cancer

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults with average risk of colorectal cancer begin screening at age of 45. People younger than 45 with a family history of colon cancer may need to begin colonoscopy screening earlier and be tested more often. There are plenty of screening options available, ask your doctor what test is right for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Colon Cancer Include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
  

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or an ongoing change in bowel habits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.

Learn More

Cancer Treatment and Care at Mount Sinai South Nassau