Beyond the 14%

The number was 14% My story doesn’t end there.

Radiant14 is my unfiltered account of living with Stage IV colorectal cancer. It is also a place to help others recognize the signs, understand screening, and advocate for themselves.

Joe Faratzis

Patient & Advocate

At twenty-nine, I was diagnosed with Stage IIA rectal cancer. Later, cancer was found in my liver and lungs, making it Stage IV. Radiant14 is where I tell that story honestly, share what I’ve learned, and help people ask better questions about symptoms, screening, and their own care.

Read my story

Read My Story Know the Signs

As Seen In

The Radiant14 story has been featured by major media outlets, bringing greater attention to young-onset colorectal cancer.

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Newsweek

SELF New York Post TimesNow SurvivorNet Newsweek

SELF New York Post TimesNow SurvivorNet

Why I Built This

Beyond Awareness: What I Wish I Knew

Radiant14 isn’t about slapping on a ribbon. I built it to tell the unvarnished truth about cancer, share the information I wish I had known, and help people advocate for themselves sooner.

Treatment Milestones

MY STORY

Initial Diagnosis

Stage IIA Rectal Cancer

FIRST

Metastatic Disease

Liver and Lung Metastases, Stage IV

LATER

BOT/BAL Clinical Trial

CURRENT

Investigational immunotherapy drug developed by Agenus.

My Journey Timeline

Follow the chronology from Stage IIA rectal cancer to metastatic disease, treatment, recurrence, and the work I’m doing now.

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A Detour at Duke

Nov. 17, 2025

A recent trip to Duke University brought clarity, tough news, and new direction.

A Setback in My Cancer Journey

Nov. 6, 2025

Cancer doesn’t play by the rules. It tests your resolve in ways you never imagined.

Exciting News: Speaking at the Olympus Conference

Mar. 12, 2025

Why I’m bringing my story and a message about self-advocacy to Olympus.

Latest From Radiant14

Recent updates on treatment, second opinions, advocacy, and what it means to keep living through Stage IV disease.

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Screening Information

Know Your Screening Options

Start the conversation at 45, or earlier if your risk is higher

For adults at average risk, regular colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45. Colonoscopy, FIT, and other stool-based or visual exams are all options. Symptoms or increased-risk factors deserve a conversation with a healthcare professional, regardless of age.

Explore Screening General education, not individualized medical advice.

Screening begins at 45

For adults at average risk

There is more than one option

Colonoscopy, FIT, stool DNA/RNA, and more

Symptoms are not a screening test

Ask about diagnostic evaluation at any age

Why This Matters

Colorectal cancer isn’t rare, and rates are rising in younger adults. Screening can prevent some cancers and find others earlier, when treatment is often more effective.

ANNUAL CASES

~159K

Estimated new U.S. colorectal cancer cases in 2026.

RANKING

3rd

Most commonly diagnosed in both men and women, excluding skin cancers.

BRAND ORIGIN

14%

The five-year survival statistic I faced when this journey began.

LOCALIZED SURVIVAL

90%+

Five-year relative survival when colorectal cancer is localized.

Sources: American Cancer Society, 2026 key statistics and survival rates. The 14% figure is historical; survival estimates evolve as treatments and data improve.

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