A 37-year-old woman's colon cancer symptom was dismissed as part of pregnancy. Months later, she was diagnosed with stage 4.
Business Insider
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Gabby Zappia, a mother of three, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer six months after giving birth, despite initially being told her symptoms were pregnancy-related. The article details her challenging diagnostic journey, extensive treatments, and her advocacy for increased awareness of colon cancer symptoms in younger individuals.
- Gabby Zappia experienced bloody stool during her third pregnancy, initially dismissed as hemorrhoids.
- She sought medical attention again on her due date due to significant bleeding, leading to labor induction.
- Six months postpartum, Zappia was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, a shock as she had no family history.
- Her diagnosis followed a long wait for a gastroenterologist and a colonoscopy that revealed a large colon mass.
- Zappia underwent colon resection surgery, followed by biopsies showing cancer had spread to her liver.
- Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, immunotherapy, liver resection, and a hepatic artery infusion pump.
- The experience was particularly difficult due to her responsibilities as a mother of young children, relying heavily on her husband and community support.
- After achieving remission, cancer reappeared in her liver, leading to further surgeries.
- As of April 2026, Zappia showed no signs of disease.
- She now advocates for awareness of colon cancer symptoms, especially in individuals under 50, urging them to seek confirmation for symptoms like bloody stools.
