Content Warning: This article discusses cancer, which some readers may find distressing.
At just 20 years old, Dominique McShain received a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer, just weeks before her 21st birthday.
Dominique, then a third-year psychology student at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, was diagnosed with incurable colorectal cancer. She has since opened up about the early symptoms she experienced, hoping to raise awareness and help others recognize the warning signs sooner.
Doctors estimated Dominique had between one to five years to live. Since then, she has been sharing her health journey on TikTok, offering insight and raising awareness through her experiences.
In May 2024, Dominique shared her first video about her diagnosis, vowing to “make a difference” by raising awareness about her cancer and its symptoms.
In a later video, she opened up about the signs that first signaled something was wrong.
As she began her third year at university, Dominique noticed she was constantly exhausted, struggling to stay focused in class. “I’d have a normal night’s sleep but then sleep another five to six hours every single day,” she explained.
She also experienced more alarming symptoms, including blood in her stool and fluctuating bowel habits, switching between constipation, diarrhea, and normal bowel movements. “That was not fun,” she admitted.
Despite these concerning signs, Dominique waited three to four weeks before seeking medical advice, fearing that if she went too soon, her symptoms might be dismissed by doctors.
@dominiquemcshain Hi! Ive finally filmed the story time/ symptoms of my stage 4 incurable colorectal cancer… i really hope it makes sense! My brain genuinely jumps topics so quick! I plan ti start posting a bit more also! ❤️ #colorectalcancer #youngcancerfighter #colorectalcancersymptoms #colorectalcancerstorytime #fightingtilltheend #incurablecancer #stagefourcancer ♬ original sound – Dominique McShain
Eventually, Dominique underwent blood tests. While her general results appeared normal, her liver markers were “abnormally high.”
A follow-up blood test revealed further abnormalities, prompting doctors to order an ultrasound. Devastatingly, the scan uncovered “massive lumps.”
Before the ultrasound, Dominique had already begun experiencing abdominal pain and a significant loss of appetite. “I got really dizzy standing as well,” she added.
As her symptoms worsened, Dominique underwent a biopsy, which ultimately confirmed the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer.
Dominique has continued to share updates on her journey with her 194,000 TikTok followers, recently providing a heartbreaking update.
In a post on her profile, she revealed that her cancer has progressed and spread to her lungs.
Given this development, her oncologists have estimated that she may have only a year left to live. In a follow-up video, Dominique described the devastating news as “like getting re-diagnosed again.”
She has also set up a Give A Little page to help cover treatment costs and living expenses.
