The Two Colorectal Cancer Symptoms Tanner Martin Wanted People to Know About
American influencer Tanner Martin died on June 25, 2025, at the age of 30, after living with colorectal cancer for several years. He was diagnosed at just 25. Alongside his wife, Shay Wright, he chose to share his journey publicly, hoping to raise awareness of symptoms that should not be ignored.
Among the warning signs he wanted people to recognize were blood in the stool and a persistent change in bowel habits. His story reminded many people of the importance of paying attention to unusual digestive symptoms, even when they initially seem minor.
His experience was personal and cannot determine the cause of similar symptoms in someone else. However, it reinforces an important public health message: persistent, recurring, or unusual digestive symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Tanner Martin’s Journey With Colorectal Cancer
According to the couple’s public accounts, Tanner Martin began experiencing digestive problems in 2020. At first, his symptoms did not necessarily appear to indicate a serious illness. He reportedly experienced intestinal and stomach problems, along with discomfort when sitting for extended periods.
During an appearance on The Unplanned Podcast, Shay Wright discussed the difficulties her husband experienced and the medical consultations he underwent. Despite receiving treatments intended to relieve his symptoms, the problems reportedly continued.
Temporary improvement does not always mean that the underlying cause of a symptom has been identified. When a health problem returns, worsens, or develops alongside new symptoms, another medical evaluation may be necessary.
Further examinations eventually led to a diagnosis of stage 4 colorectal cancer. According to the couple’s accounts, the disease had already spread to his liver by the time it was discovered.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that develop in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine. The disease can behave differently from one person to another, depending on factors such as the tumor’s location, biological characteristics, and stage at diagnosis.
Over the following years, Tanner shared aspects of his medical journey with his online community, discussing treatments, surgeries, and the challenges of living with cancer.
In 2023, the couple said they had learned that his cancer was no longer curable. Despite the difficult news, they continued sharing parts of their lives, including family moments and messages of gratitude for the support they received.
The Two Symptoms He Wanted People to Recognize
In a social media video published shortly before his death, Tanner Martin discussed symptoms he had noticed before his diagnosis. He highlighted bleeding during bowel movements and an unusual increase in how frequently he needed to use the bathroom.
He also mentioned lower back pain and changes in weight. Looking back, he emphasized the importance of recognizing changes in normal digestive patterns.
1. Blood in the Stool
Blood in the stool can have several causes. Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, intestinal inflammation, and other digestive conditions can all lead to bleeding. In some cases, however, blood in the stool may also be associated with colorectal cancer.
This is why the appearance of blood alone cannot reliably determine the cause.
Bright red blood, blood mixed with stool, and very dark or black stools can indicate different medical conditions. A healthcare professional can evaluate the circumstances, consider other symptoms, and determine whether further testing is needed.
Medical advice is particularly important when bleeding persists, happens repeatedly, or occurs alongside abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
Tanner Martin’s experience does not mean that everyone who notices blood in their stool has cancer. Many causes are not cancerous. Nevertheless, the symptom should not automatically be dismissed, and medical evaluation is the best way to investigate its cause.
Heavy bleeding, black stools accompanied by dizziness or faintness, or severe abdominal pain may require urgent medical attention.
2. A Persistent Change in Bowel Habits
The second symptom Tanner Martin discussed involved an unusual change in how frequently he needed to use the bathroom.
Changes in bowel habits can take several forms, including persistent diarrhea, new or worsening constipation, alternating between diarrhea and constipation, a lasting change in stool consistency, or a feeling that the bowel has not emptied completely.
These symptoms can result from dietary changes, stress, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, or other digestive conditions. They are not specific to colorectal cancer.
However, a change that lasts for several weeks, differs significantly from a person’s usual pattern, or occurs alongside blood in the stool deserves medical attention.
Other symptoms may also warrant evaluation, including unexplained fatigue, unintended weight loss, persistent loss of appetite, and recurring abdominal discomfort.
The important point is to consider how symptoms develop over time and whether several warning signs appear together, rather than drawing conclusions from one symptom alone.
Why Colorectal Cancer Can Go Unnoticed
Colorectal cancer can develop for some time without causing obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may resemble those of common digestive problems.
This is one reason screening is important. Screening can identify possible signs of disease in people who do not have symptoms and may detect precancerous growths before they develop into cancer.
In the United States, screening recommendations generally begin at age 45 for people at average risk, although the appropriate approach depends on individual circumstances and medical guidance. Other countries have different screening programs and age recommendations.
In France, for example, the organized colorectal cancer screening program is offered every two years to adults aged 50 to 74 who have no symptoms or particular risk factors. The program uses a stool test to look for hidden blood. A positive result generally leads to a colonoscopy to investigate the cause.
People with a significant family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of certain polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or specific inherited conditions may need earlier or more frequent monitoring. A healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate screening plan.
It is also important to understand that screening is not a substitute for medical evaluation when symptoms are already present. Anyone experiencing rectal bleeding or a persistent change in bowel habits should seek medical advice rather than waiting for their next routine screening test.
Can Colorectal Cancer Affect Younger Adults?
Tanner Martin’s experience also drew attention to colorectal cancer diagnoses among people younger than 50.
Although the disease remains more common as people age, several countries have reported increases in colorectal cancer among younger adults over recent decades.
Researchers are investigating a range of possible contributing factors, including dietary patterns, obesity, physical inactivity, environmental influences, family history, and biological characteristics of tumors.
However, no single factor explains every case, and the reasons behind the increase are not yet fully understood.
Being young does not completely rule out colorectal cancer. At the same time, digestive symptoms in a younger person do not automatically indicate a serious illness.
The most useful approach is to evaluate symptoms in context, considering their duration, severity, progression, and any individual risk factors.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
When a doctor suspects a problem involving the colon or rectum, the evaluation generally begins with questions about symptoms, medical history, and any family history of colorectal cancer.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may recommend blood tests, stool tests, medical imaging, or a colonoscopy.
A colonoscopy allows a healthcare professional to examine the inside of the colon and rectum using a flexible instrument equipped with a camera. During the procedure, the doctor may take tissue samples for laboratory analysis or remove certain polyps.
A polyp is a growth on the lining of the intestine. Some polyps can develop into cancer over time, which is why detecting and removing them when appropriate can help prevent colorectal cancer.
If cancer is diagnosed, additional tests may be performed to determine whether the disease has spread and to establish its stage. These findings help guide treatment decisions.
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy in certain situations, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy for specific types of tumors.
The recommended approach depends on several factors, including the cancer’s stage, location, biological characteristics, and the patient’s overall health.
Even when cancer is no longer curable, medical care remains important. Treatment may help slow the disease, relieve symptoms, and maintain the best possible quality of life.
A Personal Story That Encourages People to Talk About Digestive Health
Digestive symptoms can be uncomfortable to discuss. Some people feel embarrassed about talking to a doctor about bowel movements, bleeding, or changes in bathroom habits.
Yet these details can help healthcare professionals understand what may be happening.
During a medical appointment, it can be useful to explain when symptoms began, how often they occur, whether they are getting worse, and whether they are accompanied by pain, fatigue, or weight loss.
Patients should also mention medications they take and any relevant family medical history.
Social media stories can raise awareness, but they cannot replace medical consultations or personalized recommendations from qualified professionals. Nor can they establish a diagnosis simply because another person experienced similar symptoms.
The message is not to panic over every digestive change. Instead, it is to avoid dismissing symptoms that are unusual, persistent, or recurring.
Shay Wright’s Tribute Following Her Husband’s Death
According to posts shared by his wife, Tanner Martin died on June 25, 2025, at his home in American Fork, Utah, at the age of 30.
After his death, Shay Wright shared a video that her husband had recorded in advance for his online community. His message expressed gratitude toward loved ones and the people who had supported him throughout his illness.
The response included condolences, expressions of sympathy, and messages of support for his family.
Beyond the personal tributes, his story helped draw attention to a disease whose early symptoms can sometimes appear ordinary or easy to overlook.
His experience cannot predict what similar symptoms mean for someone else. Nevertheless, it highlights the value of understanding potential warning signs, participating in recommended screening, and seeking medical advice when unusual changes persist.
Blood in the stool and lasting changes in bowel habits do not automatically mean that cancer is present. But both deserve attention and should be evaluated in the appropriate medical context.
Talking openly about these symptoms and seeking medical advice when needed can help identify their cause and, when possible, detect serious conditions earlier.
Sources
Editorial note: This article is based on the supplied account and general health information. Biographical details have not all been independently verified. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.