Father Battles Stage 4 Colon Cancer While Urging Others to Screen Early

A Father's Unexpected Diagnosis

For Ronnie Dixon Jr., a 42-year-old Virginia Beach resident, the diagnosis came as a shock. Last June, Dixon said he initially believed he had a minor condition, possibly a hemorrhoid. Instead, doctors diagnosed him with stage 3 colon cancer. The disease has since progressed to stage 4. Dixon said he had no family history of colorectal cancer and was unprepared for the diagnosis.

He is now undergoing aggressive treatment, including chemotherapy, surgeries and an upcoming procedure scheduled for next week. He said the physical toll is significant, but the emotional strain — especially the thought of leaving behind his five children — is even greater. "Not being able to see them do stuff, that's one of the worst things in the world," Dixon said.

Rising Trend Among Younger Americans

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under 50. Younger patients are also more likely to be diagnosed at later stages compared with older adults. Health experts say the trend is alarming and underscores the importance of earlier screening, which is now recommended to start at age 45.

Like many cancers, colorectal cancer often shows no clear signs or symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your family history and consult your primary care physician about scheduling regular screenings for colorectal cancer. Doctors say early detection significantly improves outcomes, often identifying cancer before symptoms appear.

Warning Signs and Prevention

Common warning signs include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. However, many people dismiss these symptoms or attribute them to less serious conditions, as Dixon initially did with what he thought was a hemorrhoid.

The most effective way to catch it early is a screening colonoscopy, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps. Removing these polyps can prevent cancer from forming in the first place. If colonoscopy is done early as a screening examination, or before symptoms start, you are very unlikely to have colon cancer as a diagnosis. Even in the unlikely case that you did, 90-95% of cancers we discover are very early stage, often curable at the time of the colonoscopy.

A Message of Hope and Urgency

Despite the challenges, Dixon said he hopes sharing his story will encourage others to get screened earlier. "If someone can catch it way before, even a speck of what it is, that would be the best thing in the world," he said. His message echoes that of other survivors who have turned their diagnoses into advocacy for early detection.

The medical community continues to emphasize that while colon cancer rates are rising among younger adults, early detection remains the most powerful tool for prevention and successful treatment. Dixon's story serves as both a sobering reminder of the disease's unpredictability and a compelling call to action for anyone eligible for screening to prioritize their health before symptoms appear.