You may be wondering why a company that sells gear for studios is posting a blog on colorectal cancer. It's because I'm a survivor. In May of 2025, I was diagnosed with stage II colorectal cancer, and the major reason I'm sitting here typing this with no evidence of disease (and missing nearly a foot of colon), is that it was detected early. I had no symptoms that were exclusive to CRC, but thanks to following guidance and my doctors, it was caught early enough where surgery could be curative before it spread. I'm not out of the woods, but with each passing month with no recurrence, I get closer to the five year mark when I'll be declared cured.
Colorectal cancer has long been considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. But in recent years, that narrative has changed. More people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are being diagnosed than ever before—and many are caught off guard because they don’t think they’re at risk. It's now the most deadly cancer for those under 50, and the only cancer where mortality is increasing.
Colorectal cancer awareness isn’t just about statistics. It’s about prevention, early detection, and understanding that screening can save lives. For younger adults especially, knowing the signs and acting early can make all the difference.
The Rising Risk in Younger Adults
Historically, routine screening for colorectal cancer began at age 50. However, due to a steady increase in cases among younger people, major health organizations now recommend starting screening at age 45 for average-risk adults. This new guidance helped save my life, or at the very least, a much more difficult cancer journey.
Why the rise in younger diagnoses? Researchers are still investigating, but several factors may play a role:
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Diets high in processed foods and red meat
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Sedentary lifestyles
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Changes in the gut microbiome
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Family history or genetic predisposition
Even without clear risk factors, younger adults are increasingly being diagnosed—often at later stages because symptoms were overlooked or screening was delayed. James Van Der Beek and Chadwick Boseman were both in incredible shape and in the primes of their lives when they were diagnosed and tragically lost their battles. Cancer doesn't discriminate.
Why Screening Is So Important
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.
Screening can:
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Detect precancerous polyps before they become cancer
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Identify cancer at an early, highly treatable stage
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Reduce overall risk of dying from colorectal cancer
Many colorectal cancers develop slowly over years. That means screening offers a powerful opportunity to stop the disease before it starts.
Common Screening Options
Screening isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several methods are available:
Colonoscopy
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The gold standard
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Allows doctors to remove polyps during the procedure
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Typically every 10 years if results are normal
Stool-based tests
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Done at home
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Check for hidden blood or DNA markers
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Usually yearly or every 3 years depending on the test
Flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography
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Less common but sometimes used
Talk with a healthcare provider about which option is best based on your age, risk factors, and preferences.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
One of the biggest challenges for younger adults is that symptoms can be mistaken for less serious issues like hemorrhoids or digestive problems. Don’t dismiss these warning signs:
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Persistent changes in bowel habits
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Blood in stool
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Unexplained weight loss
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Ongoing abdominal pain or cramping
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Fatigue or anemia
If something feels off and doesn’t resolve, push for answers. Early evaluation matters. A 43 year old friend of mine was dismissed by her doctors multiple times and she kept pushing to discover she had a Stage III tumor (she is now thankfully cancer free).
Know Your Personal Risk
You may need screening earlier than 45 if you have:
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A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
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Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
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Certain genetic syndromes
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Previous polyps
Knowing your family medical history can be life-saving information.
Removing the Stigma Around Screening
I'll be honest, cancer of the poop chute and talking about stool isn't dignified. Many people avoid screening because it feels uncomfortable or embarrassing. But modern screening is far easier than most expect, and the temporary inconvenience is small compared to the potential benefit of early detection.
Talking openly about colorectal health helps normalize screening and encourages others to prioritize it.
What You Can Do Right Now
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If you’re 45 or older, schedule a screening if you haven’t already.
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If you’re younger with symptoms or family history, talk to your doctor.
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Share information with friends and family—especially younger adults.
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Prioritize lifestyle habits that support gut health: fiber-rich foods, exercise, and regular checkups.
The Bottom Line
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, but it is also one of the most preventable cancers we face. Screening isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a powerful tool that can detect problems early, when treatment is most effective.
Awareness leads to action. Action leads to early detection. And early detection saves lives. It did mine.
