Deondre Williams is a shining example of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. As a survivor of colon cancer, he has not only overcome the disease but has also dedicated himself to raising awareness and advocating for early screenings and detection in the community. His journey began in 2017 when he noticed blood in his stool, a common symptom of the disease. Initially, he ignored the signs and attributed them to hemorrhoids, but it was his wife who urged him to seek medical attention.
“I ignored it; it was like I diagnosed myself with hemorrhoids,” Williams says adding that he used Google as a resource. “All those options pop up, until you have all these different causes or potential threats. I chose hemorrhoids. After ignoring it for the first two weeks, all I did was change my work routine. The job that I had was very physical, so I assumed that maybe I strained along the way lifting weights.”
After giving his body two weeks of rest, and engaging in light activities such as walking, the bleeding ceased. Unfortunately, it returned two weeks later, this time much heavier.
“After it came back, my wife was the one that kind of pushed it, to be honest. Because I was still going to be stubborn,” Williams says of his decision to seek medical attention. “I still wasn’t compelled to go and get a colonoscopy because, in my eyes at 35, cancer was the last thing on my mind.”
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After further examination and testing, Williams received a diagnosis of stage 2 colorectal cancer. Fortunately, Williams, who is currently cancer-free and has no evidence of disease, did not require chemotherapy or radiation. Instead, he underwent surgery to remove the cancerous polyps and shifted his focus to changing his diet and lifestyle to promote better health. He also joined forces with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CRC) where he received support and connected with others who had experienced similar challenges.
Williams has also undergone a profound change in perspective following his battle with cancer.
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“When cancer was knocking, it was like, ‘Now I really don’t know what’s going to happen.’ And because of that, I can no longer waste time on any foolishness. I can no longer waste time on all the things that I would have put to the side and said, ‘I’ll do it later.’ There is no ‘do it later’. It is just take action now,” Williams adds.
He now prioritizes his health, both physically and mentally, and has embraced a cleaner lifestyle with a focus on holistic practices.
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“I never really had bad eating habits, or at least I thought so. I didn’t know how much processed foods were affecting our insides. I didn’t know how damaging processed foods were until cancer came, and then I started doing my research. I realized that grabbing a sandwich here and there, indulging in fast food, or opting for convenience store sandwiches were damaging to our core. I indulged in these habits so much that, in my eyes, they were the cause of me being in this position, aside from the fact that my dad also had colon cancer,” Williams shares.
Williams believes that most people “create habits that can be changed and altered based on re-creating.”
“That’s what I’m doing now. I’ve eliminated pork from my diet and focus on baked fish, chicken, and lots of vegetables. Every now and then, I indulge in chicken wings because that’s my weakness. I have also incorporated detoxing and cleansing into my routine every two to three months. I put myself in a situation where I cleanse my system with different holistic methods like sour sop and other cleansing techniques,” he says.
Williams, who has faith that the lifestyle changes he’s made will keep him healthy for the rest of his life, also emphasizes the importance of being proactive about your health, staying connected with loved ones, and finding outlets for stress relief and self-care.
As a member of the CRC’s Never Too Young advisory board, Williams is passionate about spreading awareness and educating others, particularly young people, about the risks of colorectal cancer.
“I’m not going to lie, initially, I was one of those quiet individuals because I wasn’t sure about the purpose of the alliance and where it would lead me. However, I knew I wanted to make an impact and be a part of something meaningful. Eventually, I was selected to join the ‘Never Too Young’ Advisory Board because they recognized the passion in my voice and my dedication to raising awareness about the persistent threat of this disease. It’s gratifying to be able to add value to people’s lives in this manner,” Williams shares.
He hopes his efforts will help young individuals realize the importance of understanding and addressing colon cancer. “At 35, the idea of colon cancer and colonoscopies may not have crossed my mind either. Nevertheless, through engaging with others at events and hearing their dismissive attitudes about being too young to worry about such health concerns, I feel compelled to educate and advocate for early detection,” he shares recalling an encounter with a 22-year-old at the Cologuard Classic in Arizona who adamantly believed he didn’t need to be concerned about colon health at his age.
“We had a meaningful conversation about the significance of taking proactive steps towards prevention, regardless of age. It’s crucial to overcome the fears associated with screenings and outcomes, as early detection can make a significant impact on one’s health and well-being,” he adds. “No one is immune to the risks of this disease. It doesn’t discriminate based on age, race, or religion. If we neglect our bodies and fail to prioritize our health, we increase our susceptibility to this illness. It’s essential to have those difficult conversations with family members, address any fears or hesitations, and ensure that we take the necessary steps to protect our health. Ultimately, being proactive and informed is key to minimizing the threat of this disease for ourselves and our communities.”
Williams also hopes to bring awareness to the health disparities faced by the Black community, who are 35 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer and 15 percent more likely to develop it than non-Hispanic whites. Black Americans are also 30 percent more likely to develop young-onset colorectal cancer, according to CRC.
“It is alarming to note that Black men and women are the leading causes of death due to cancer under the age of 50. I was diagnosed at 35, and I have witnessed friends with children as young as 16 and 17 succumb to the disease. These statistics underscore the urgency of understanding why there is a disproportionate impact on Black communities, particularly younger individuals,” he notes.
Deondre’s advice for others
- Find solace in leaning on loved ones, practicing meditation, and doing yoga to clear the mind and dispel negative energy. “Personally, I experienced emotional turmoil post-diagnosis, struggling with anger, rage, and a sense of disconnection from society. It is crucial to foster a supportive environment, seek spiritual grounding, and find healthy outlets for coping mechanisms,” Williams, who has found solace in coaching youth football, says.
- Visit quiz.getscreen.org for a comprehensive screening questionnaire to learn more about colon cancer symptoms or your general health. “This screening tool allows individuals to gain insights into their health and prompts them to seek medical help when necessary, especially if facing symptoms like fatigue or blood in the stool,” Williams shares.
- Have open conversations with family members to understand the familial history of illnesses and discuss screening options with a primary care physician
- Assess lifestyle changes by questioning dietary habits, exercise routines, and overall well-being to reduce cancer risks
