Paducah woman diagnosed with colon cancer at 37 urges others not to ignore symptoms

PADUCAH, KY (March 25, 2026) - Colon cancer is not typically a cancer that younger adults think about, but in recent years, rates are rising in people below 50. Amber Joiner, a Paducah native and 11 year-employee of Baptist Health Paducah, is sharing her story in hopes it encourages others to pay attention to symptoms and seek medical care sooner than later.

Joiner was just 37 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She had constipation and blood in her stool. “At the time, I was taking a weight loss medication that had constipation as a side effect, so my physician and I initially thought that was the cause," said Joiner.

Months later, her symptoms had gotten much worse. “I started passing out, losing hair and just looking sick,” Joiner said. “My blood pressure was consistently low, so I asked my doctor to check my iron levels. My hemoglobin came back at 5.4, which is critically low.”

Joiner was sent to the emergency department, where she received two units of blood and was referred to a gastroenterologist. In January 2023, she underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy that revealed a mass that was nearly obstructing her colon.

“You’re never prepared to hear that you likely have cancer,” said Joiner. “I had a weird gut feeling something might be wrong, but I never expected it.”

Later that month, Joiner had surgery to remove a portion of her colon and several nearby lymph nodes, which were positive for malignancy. Because the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, she was diagnosed with Stage 3C colon cancer. Due to the location of the cancer, surgeons also removed her ovaries and fallopian tubes during the procedure.

Joiner then began chemotherapy treatments in March 2023, receiving 12 rounds through October.

“I would receive treatment at the cancer center and then wear a chemotherapy pump for almost 48 hours,” said Joiner. “Sometimes I was able to work, but it was a struggle being sick and so weak. My job is very important to me, so I tried to work as much as I could.”

Today, Joiner continues routine monitoring with CT scans, lab work and oncology visits every six months. Her most recent colonoscopy was in May 2024, and her next is scheduled for 2029.

Pamela Reed, MD, with Baptist Health Medical Group Gastroenterology says colon cancer can be one of the most preventable cancers thanks to screening.

“Screening allows us to find and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer,” said Reed. “We recommend that most adults begin screening at age 45, but if you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, you will need to start earlier than 45.  Anyone experiencing symptoms should talk with their provider, regardless of age."

Joiner hopes sharing her experience encourages others not to ignore warning signs.

“People need to pay attention to their bodies and their gut feelings,” said Joiner. “If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. It’s better to be checked and it be nothing than to not check and it be something serious.”

She also wants people to know there’s no reason to be afraid of getting a colonoscopy.

“The colonoscopy is not scary,” said Joiner. “It’s quick, painless and it can save your life.”

For more information about colorectal screenings, talk to your primary care provider or visit Gastroenterology - Baptist Health.