The tragic death of Dawson’s Creek Actor James Van Der Beek on February 11, 2026has refocused attention on colon cancer. Van Der Beek’s death has long been considered a disease that affects older people and raises questions about how vulnerable young people are today to the risk of colon cancer.
Everyone should know that.
Catching something early can help you avoid serious health problems later.
What is colon cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a general term for cancers of the colon and rectum, which form part of the large intestine. Individual types of cancer are treated differently. Cancers can occur in either the colon or rectum, or both.
Are more young people getting colon cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, rates of colorectal cancer in those under 50 have been increasing increased by around 3% annually since 2010. The death rate from colon cancer has also increased by 1% annually since 2005 among those under 50.
Frequency of early-stage colon cancer They are expected to increase over the next decade. Since 2024, Daily Sparkz has seen a 200% increase in all requests for at-home cancer testing, reflecting growing concerns about people’s long-term vulnerability to cancer.
The cause of this increase in colon cancer rates is still unknown. But researchers have some theories…
What increases my risk?
There are many factors associated with colon cancer, many of which are within our control.
alcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing a variety of cancers, including colon cancer. Drinking alcohol can lead to this Tumor formation caused by mutations that disrupt normal cell reproduction.
diet
Eat a lot red meat, processed meat and too little fiber may increase your risk of cancer.
Other nutritional risk factors may include:
- Low vitamin D levels
- Cooking meat at high temperatures (roasting, boiling and grilling)
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can lead to inflammation
Smoke
A 2025 editorial in BMJ Oncology States that epidemiological evidence shows a link between cigarette smoking and an increased risk of colorectal cancer and that this risk increases in a dose-dependent manner (the more you smoke, the higher the risk). Smoking too increases your risk of developing early-stage colon cancer.
obesity
Obesity significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer, contributes to a large number of colorectal cancer deaths worldwide, and is part of the range of lifestyle factors that lead to increasing rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults.
diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of developing colon cancer, which may be due to high insulin levels.
genetics
You are more likely to get colon cancer if you:
- Are male
- Have had a cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder)
- Do you have a history of colorectal polyps?
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- There are cases of colon cancer in your family
- They have an inherited syndrome such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis
What is the survival rate?
Detecting cancer early can result in a survival rate of up to five years 80% to 90%. If cancer is discovered at an advanced stage where it has spread to other parts of the body, survival rates are much lower.
What are the first symptoms?
The telltale signs of colon cancer are easy to spot:
- Blood in the stool
- stomach pain
- Change in bowel habits (prolonged constipation or diarrhea)
- Sudden weight loss
- Unexplained anemia
- Low red blood cell count
If you have any of these symptoms, it may not mean you have colon cancer. If you have concerns about your risk of cancer, you should seek testing and medical help.
How do I get checked for colon cancer?
You can Get tested for colon cancer with a convenient home test or with a test available at a clinic near you.
Most tests for colon cancer involve taking a stool sample that is examined for occult blood, which may indicate the presence of cancer.
How do I reduce my risk of developing colon cancer?
While you’re finding out whether you have colon cancer, you can improve your chances of preventing colon cancer in the future by making some simple lifestyle changes, including:
- Reduce alcohol consumption: There is no safe amount of alcohol. So keeping your alcohol consumption to a minimum will contribute to your health.
- No consumption of red meat and processed meat: Consuming large amounts of red and processed meat significantly reduces the risk of developing all types of cancer.
- Get plenty of exercise: Regular exercise will improve your overall mortality rate. Improving your fitness and building more muscle mass can help you control your insulin levels, thereby reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Eat fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods: Fill your diet with plenty of whole grains, fibrous and leafy vegetables, seeds, legumes, beans and a variety of fruits to give you the fiber you need to keep colon cancer at bay.
Final thoughts
Most cancers can be treated if detected early. But this means that you must act immediately if you suspect something is wrong. Contact Daily Sparkz today to schedule a colon cancer test.
Protect your health.
