The Grammy nominee opened up about her recent colon cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the need for routine tests and early detection.
Taylor Dayne discusses her recent cancer diagnosis and the significance of early detection.
The “Tell It to My Heart” singer recently announced on Good Morning America that she was diagnosed with colon cancer over the summer.
The Grammy-nominated performer, 60, was diagnosed with colon cancer in July following a regular colonoscopy. Dayne’s world became “black” after hearing the news, but thankfully, her disease was caught early.
“Life is priceless,” she told the publication. “He never even mentioned the stage of cancer. All I could think was, ‘OK, I know there was nothing five months ago.’ So this is early detection.”
Dayne underwent surgery to remove 10 inches of her colon just weeks after her cancer diagnosis and was confirmed cancer-free. A post-op illness, however, kept her in the hospital for about 20 days.
Dayne recounted that after being released from the hospital, she worked on physical and emotional healing, recalling the “horror” she endured as a child suffering from kidney ailments.
“Being back in the hospital felt like I was four years old again, basically confined inside my own body without a voice,” she admitted. “So this has tested me mentally and emotionally. I’m back in a rehabilitation program now.”
Following her recovery, the ’80s pop diva has stated she feels better than ever and advises others to talk to their doctors about routine tests.
“When you’re very sick and don’t have the energy, you rely on your champions around you, your warriors, your people,” Dayne explained to GMA. “Look for a doctor who will tell you the truth. Make yourself a warrior.”
Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is the third most frequent cancer globally, trailing only lung and breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 106,180 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in 2022.
Roughly 20% of patients have a family history of cancer, and doctors advise everyone to look into their families’ histories to discover if they are at a higher risk. Nonetheless, diet and its contributions to obesity may be a factor. While it is widespread in both men and women in the United States, doctors underline that early detection can save lives.
The American Cancer Society recommends that persons aged 45 and over get frequent colon cancer screenings, including stool analysis or colonoscopies.
They also advise patients who have symptoms of colon cancer, such as a change in bowel motions, such as increased diarrhea; rectal bleeding; dark stools; sudden weight loss; cramps, and excessive fatigue, to see a doctor.
However, they underline the importance of preventive screenings, as these symptoms generally arise after colon cancer has spread.
