American social media star Tanner Martin died of colon cancer after battling the deadly disease for five years (Pic: iStock/Instagram)
American social media star Tanner Martin died of colon cancer after battling the deadly disease for five years. The 30-year-old also pre-recorded a video announcing his demise. Martin and his wife Shay Wright faced this heartbreak shortly after the birth of their first child, daughter AmyLou.
With an online following of more than 456,000 on Instagram, Tanner documented his battle against colon cancer online and garnered immense support from his audience throughout his journey.
In a touching farewell video, his final message for fans began with the bittersweet greeting, "Hey, it's me, Tanner. If you're watching this, I am dead. I had a heck of a life. I decided to make this video announcing my death because I saw someone do that, like, a year or so ago, and I think it's a good opportunity to get all your thoughts out."
What is colon cancer?
Also known as colorectal cancer, this deadly condition is a type of cancer that develops in your colon or rectum. Doctors say it often begins as non-cancerous polyps that can turn cancerous over time. Early detection through screening is crucial, as it can significantly improve treatment outcomes and chances of a cure.
According to experts, colon cancer develops from certain polyps or growths in the inner lining of your colon. Colon cancer that’s not detected or treated may spread to other areas of your body. However, due to screening tests, early treatment, and new kinds of treatment, fewer people are dying from colon cancer.
How does colon cancer affect you?
Doctors say your colon wall, made of layers of mucous membrane, tissue, and muscle, is the one that gets affected due to the cancer first. The cancer begins in your mucosa – the innermost lining of your colon which consists of cells that make and release mucus and other fluids. If these cells mutate or change, they may create a colon polyp.
Over time, the polyps become cancerous. If left undetected or untreated, the cancer works its way through a layer of tissue, muscle, and the outer layer of your colon.
What causes colon cancer?
Doctors are not sure why some people develop precancerous colon polyps that become colon cancer. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of developing precancerous polyps and colon cancer. A few of these include:
Smoking
Smoking or chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
Alcohol
Doctors suggest in general that men should limit beverages containing alcohol to two servings a day. Women should take only one serving a day.
Obesity
Eating high-fat, high-calorie foods may affect your weight and increase your risk of colon cancer.
Eating a diet of red and processed meat
Processed meat includes bacon, sausage and lunch meat. Healthcare providers recommend you limit red meat and processed meat to two servings a week.
Sedentary lifestyle
Any kind of physical activity may reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
A few early signs of colon cancer include:
- Blood in your poop or stool
- Persistent changes in your bowel habits
- Chronic stomachache
- Bloating in your tummy
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting and nausea
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Fatigue and breathlessness
