Man has new outlook on life after colon cancer battle

CHARLOTTE — A local man made a life-saving discovery that has given him a new outlook on life.

Sa’Youh Tunji was on vacation less than a year ago when he felt an odd stomach pain. He thought it was something he ate, but he noticed something else.

“I was in DC for Labor Day having a good time playing soccer, came back to the hotel, and noticed there was blood in my stool,” Tunji said.

After a series of tests and a coloscopy, a tumor was found in his colon. Further tests confirmed it was cancer. Tunji was only 40 at the time of his diagnosis.

Novant Health doctor Douglas Rosen says younger patients are being diagnosed with colon cancer.

“[It’s] definitely alarming, and there is definitely a clearer trend we are seeing across the county over the past several years,” Rosen said.

Doctors say surviving colorectal cancer has increased because of two reasons: early detection and treatment. Tunji says fighting was easy because of the people behind him, including his wife, daughters and three other children he’s caring for.

“My reason for being alive or my purpose in life took a new meaning,” Tunji said.

He has one simple message when it comes to colon cancer.

“Get your colon checked. This colon cancer colorectal cancer doesn’t announce itself,” Tunji said. “I got lucky.”

>> In the video at the top of the page, Tunji speaks on his battle with colon cancer.

(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte Colon Cancer Coalition hosts 14th annual ‘Get Your Rear in Gear’ 5K)

Charlotte Colon Cancer Coalition hosts 14th annual ‘Get Your Rear in Gear’ 5K

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