A California father’s push for a healthier lifestyle turned into a shocking cancer diagnosis. Mark Sevillano Jr., 41, had started eating better and working out three times a week when he noticed something strange—he could no longer swallow food comfortably.

“At first, water would help wash food down,” Mark explained. “But soon, even that didn’t work.” His doctor initially downplayed the symptoms and reluctantly scheduled a swallow test. Before the test, Mark ended up in the ER, where he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. “I would have never imagined I had cancer,” he said.

Mark later discovered he had been losing weight because of the illness, not just healthier living. By October, surgeons removed six inches of his esophagus and a strawberry-sized tumor. Doctors rebuilt his esophagus using part of his intestine. After chemotherapy, he is now cancer-free and will be closely monitored for five years.

“Looking back, there were so many red flags,” Mark admitted. His story is a reminder to always listen to your body—and push for answers when something feels wrong.