When Family History Matters: Marc Anthony’s Personal Account of Lynch Syndrome Awareness
Marc Anthony’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of listening to your body and understanding your family’s medical history. At just 33, he was found to have Lynch syndrome and was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer. Lynch syndrome is a hereditary genetic condition that significantly increases the risk of getting many kinds of cancer and is passed down through families.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
His initial symptoms were hard to ignore — unexplained rectal bleeding, extreme exhaustion, a persistent feeling of coldness even in warm temperatures, and digestive issues. However, like many young adults, he brushed off these alarming signs, attributing them to the flu or stress, especially after a doctor dismissed his concerns as hemorrhoids due to his age.
Marc Anthony’s life took a serious turn after his brother’s passing, which prompted him to finally seek medical attention. It wasn’t until he disclosed his family’s history — his siblings had also battled colon cancer — that his doctor’s demeanor shifted. A simple diagnostic procedure confirmed what he feared: “You have a lot of cancer,” the doctor said. The realization hit hard, not just because of the diagnosis, but also due to how it would impact his already grieving mother.
The surgery to remove the cancer involved extracting part of his colon and numerous lymph nodes. Thankfully, the operation was successful, and he didn’t require chemotherapy or radiation. But recovery had its challenges, including complications with using the restroom, which were managed with additional procedures.
Marc Anthony’s experience with Lynch syndrome and stage 2 colon cancer reshaped his perspective. He learned about Lynch syndrome only after his surgery, realizing its hereditary nature and the importance of genetic awareness within families. In his case, Lynch syndrome was passed down to him from his mother’s side of the family. This newfound knowledge inspired him to create a short film, “Bonus Time,” aiming to raise awareness about colon cancer and the critical role of family history in early detection.
Marc Anthony’s message is clear and heartfelt: never ignore your body’s signals, know your family’s health history, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. His resilience and advocacy remind us that understanding hereditary conditions like Lynch syndrome can be crucial, as awareness can truly save lives.
Watch the video to learn from Marc Anthony about:
- How awareness of family history and hereditary conditions such as Lynch syndrome can be the key to early cancer detection and successful treatment.
- Navigating health scares in your twenties.
- How Marc Anthony’s overlooked symptoms led to a life-changing diagnosis.
- What inspired him to work to educate others about colon cancer.
- The symptoms Marc Anthony ignored that you shouldn’t.
- Name:
- Marc Anthony S.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 33
- Diagnosis:
- Lynch Syndrome and Colon Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 2A
- Symptoms:
- Blood in stool
- Severe constipation
- Persistent exhaustion
- Constantly feeling cold
- Treatment:
- Surgeries: sigmoid colectomy, lymphadenectomy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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