Mark Sevillano Jr., 41, entered 2024 focused on self-care after a tough divorce, finishing school, and raising two kids. He felt stronger—working out, eating well, and protecting his mental health—until a new symptom appeared: trouble swallowing that he brushed off as reflux.

Over two months, the discomfort worsened. Despite being young and fit, his initial doctor visit downplayed concerns and scheduled a non-urgent test. Trusting his gut, Mark went to the ER when the pain spiked—where scans revealed a mass in his esophagus.

The diagnosis was esophageal cancer. In October, surgeons removed a strawberry-sized tumor and 15 cm of his esophagus, reconstructing the area with part of his intestine. He completed multiple rounds of chemotherapy and is now in remission.

Mark’s message is simple and urgent: listen to your body. Serious conditions can appear at any age and in any lifestyle. Don’t ignore persistent or worsening symptoms—advocate for yourself, ask questions, and act on your instincts.