Despite ‘Ugly’ Stage 4 Cancer Battle, Country Music Star Coffey Anderson’s Wife Criscilla Anderson Dances With Joy at Party for His New Song

 

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Criscilla Anderson, 43, has been open about her stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis, which came in 2018. Anderson's rise to fame involved time spent as a hip-hop dancer and her role on the "Country Ever After" reality TV show, which followed the life of the Anderson couple while raising their three children.

The cancer warrior underwent treatment until doctors found no evidence of the disease in the summer of 2021. Anderson's cancer returned early last year, which meant restarting her chemotherapy treatments.

"The thing with cancer is that the chances of it returning are very, very high…That's why it's always been important for me to not only celebrate all the victories, but prepare my mind for a bad scan," Criscilla told People magazine.

With her ongoing battle with stage 4 colon cancer, Criscilla has relied on her family, faith, and the power of positivity to motivate her during her cancer journey.

In another recent post, Criscilla shared a video of her kids riding in the car and singing a praise and worship song, showing how the family leans on their faith to get through hard times.

 

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Criscilla's Cancer Journey

Anderson was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in 2018. With stage 4 colon cancer, the cancer spreads beyond the colon and onto other parts of the body. She underwent years of treatment including chemotherapy, which helped shrink her tumors.

In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Dr. Daniel Labow, Chief of Surgical Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System, explains how each case is handled individually. He says, "Well, I think it's critical that for stage 4 cancers in general, but certainly for colon cancer, not all stage 4 patients are the same. I think, sometimes, people get labeled stage 4, and they feel there's no hope."

Dr. Labow elaborates, "And I think it's very important to establish if you have all the data. First, get all the data, what the disease state is, and how extensive it is. A Stage 4 can be one tiny spot on the liver or can be 100 spots throughout the abdomen."

In the fall of 2021, Anderson said her scans found no evidence of the disease, but a few months later in early 2022, her cancer returned.

Understanding Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects your large intestine (colon) or the end of your intestine (rectum). It is the third-most common cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

The cancer starts when abnormal lumps called polyps grow in the colon or rectum. If you don't have these polyps removed, they can sometimes change into cancer.  It takes up to 10 years for a colon polyp to become full-blown cancer, according to SurvivorNet experts.

The most common sites for late-stage colon cancer that's metastasized, or spread, are the liver, lungs, and peritoneum (the lining in your abdomen). Each case is very different; therefore, the treatment options differ for each patient.

Although people older than 50 years old are still at the greatest risk of developing colon cancer, researchers are finding a growing number of younger people getting colon cancer in recent years.

When it comes to colon cancer prevention, screening is extremely important. Most colon cancers can be prevented if people are regularly screened.

If you're at average risk, meaning you don't have risk factors like smoking or family history, the American Cancer Society advises getting regular colonoscopies once you turn 45. Colonoscopy is a test that uses a long, thin tube attached to a camera, which lets your doctor check for polyps throughout your whole colon and rectum.

You'll get one colonoscopy that will serve as a baseline, and, if your doctor doesn't find any polyps, you'll have another one in 10 years.

Colon Cancer Symptoms and Risk Factors

Colon cancer risk factors include:

• Having inflammatory bowel disease.
• Having a family history of colon cancer.
• Not exercising very often.
• Eating a diet high in meat.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Using excessive alcohol and tobacco.

WATCH: Stage four colon cancer, though harder to manage, can be cured in certain cases.

Colon cancer symptoms and warning signs include:

• Change in bowel movement
• Bloody stool
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling the bowel does not empty completely
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant abdominal pain or cramps

If you notice symptoms or changes in your body, it's important to discuss them with your doctor promptly.

Positivity Can Improve Your Cancer Battle

Criscilla Anderson receives a ton of support from her husband Coffey Anderson. The couple's children Ethan, Emmarie, and Everleigh are also sources of inspiration for Criscilla while undergoing chemotherapy. The cancer warrior shares several social media posts with the kids smiling and exuding positive vibes while professing her faith.

 

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SurvivorNet experts say keeping a positive mindset makes a difference while battling cancer or disease.

"A positive attitude is really important," says Dr. Zuri Murrell, a colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

"My patients who thrive, even with stage four cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they're diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK," Dr. Murrell said.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.