Surgeon Gives Patients One Key Piece of Advice to Help Prevent Colon Cancer Early as Cases Rise in Under 50s

February 26, 2025

You ever hear about a thief that knocks before breaking in? No? That’s because real threats don’t announce themselves. They creep in quietly. And by the time you realize they’re there, the damage is already done.

That’s exactly what’s happening with colon cancer. It’s moving in on younger people, taking lives before they even get a chance to fight back. For decades, it was seen as an “old person’s disease.” Something to worry about later. But that was a lie. Since the 1990s, cases in adults under 50 have jumped nearly 50%. And the worst part? Most don’t see it coming.

A little stomach pain. Some weight loss. Maybe a change in bowel habits. Easy to ignore, right? But while you’re brushing it off, the cancer is growing. By the time most people take it seriously, it’s already in the late stages. And that’s what makes it deadly.

But listen—this doesn’t have to be your story. One simple decision could save your life. A leading surgeon is giving patients one key piece of advice, and it’s time to pay attention. Because when it comes to colon cancer, the biggest mistake you can make… is waiting.

The Unseen Crisis: Why Are Colon Cancer Cases Rising?

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For years, people believed colon cancer was a disease you didn’t have to think about until you hit 50. But that belief is costing lives. The numbers don’t lie—cases among people under 50 have surged by nearly 50% since the 1990s. Young adults are being diagnosed at later stages, fighting a battle they never saw coming. So, what’s fueling this silent epidemic?

The food we eat is feeding the problem: Fast food, processed meats, and sugar-filled drinks have replaced the fiber-rich diets our bodies need. The gut wasn’t designed for this much junk. The World Health Organization even classifies processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, linked directly to colon cancer.
Movement is medicine—but we’re sitting too much: We sit more than ever—at desks, on phones, in front of screens. But a sedentary lifestyle increases colon cancer risk by 25-50%. Movement isn’t just about fitness—it helps digestion, lowers inflammation, and keeps the gut healthy.
Toxins, antibiotics, and a gut out of balance: Overuse of antibiotics, exposure to toxins, and processed foods are throwing off gut balance, weakening our natural defenses against cancer.
The real killer — Late diagnosis: Doctors aren’t always looking for colon cancer in younger adults, and many patients don’t recognize the symptoms. By the time it’s diagnosed, it’s often in advanced stages, making treatment much harder.

That’s why waiting isn’t an option. But one simple step—one decision—could change everything. According to a top surgeon, it’s the most important thing you can do right now.

The One Key Piece of Advice from a Surgeon That Could Save Your Life

When it comes to colon cancer, there’s one truth too many people learn too late—early detection saves lives. And according to Dr. Parul Shukla, a leading colorectal surgeon, the most powerful thing you can do isn’t changing your diet, exercising more, or cutting out alcohol—though those all help. The number one way to prevent colon cancer? Get screened early.

Colon cancer doesn’t happen overnight. It starts as small, harmless polyps in the colon. These can take years to turn cancerous—but only if they’re left unchecked. A simple screening can detect and remove them before they become deadly.

But here’s the problem—most people don’t get screened until it’s too late. They feel fine, so they assume they’re fine. That assumption is costing lives.

The New Screening Guidelines—And Why Most People Still Ignore Them

For years, the recommended age for a first-time colonoscopy was 50.
But with cases rising in younger adults, experts have lowered it to 45—or even earlier for those with a family history.
Yet, one-third of eligible adults still skip screenings.

Dr. Shukla sees the consequences firsthand. “If my father had an advanced adenoma, I should know about it, because that would mean I need to be screened at least five or ten years earlier than the recommended age,” he warns.

Breaking the Stigma: Colonoscopies Save Lives

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People avoid screenings for all kinds of reasons—fear, embarrassment, or just thinking they don’t need one. But colon cancer doesn’t wait for the “right” time to strike. By the time symptoms show up, it’s often already in the later stages.

Dr. Shukla’s advice is simple: Talk to your family. Know your history. And most importantly—don’t wait. “Please don’t be shy to discuss the findings of your colonoscopy with your children or siblings, because you might save a life.”

A 30-minute test could mean the difference between early detection and a late-stage fight for survival. The biggest mistake you can make? Assuming you have time.

Five Life-Changing Habits to Lower Your Risk

Colon cancer isn’t just about genetics—it’s deeply connected to how you live. While early screening is the best way to catch it before it becomes life-threatening, there are powerful steps you can take to lower your risk every single day. Small changes add up, and the sooner you start, the better your chances of staying ahead of this disease.

1. Eat More Fiber, Cut Out Processed Foods

What you eat can either fuel your body or feed disease. Diets high in fiber—found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—help keep the digestive system running smoothly. Fiber speeds up digestion, reducing the time harmful substances stay in contact with the colon lining. On the other hand, processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as carcinogens, meaning they have a direct link to cancer development.

2. Move More, Sit Less

Sitting isn’t just bad for your posture—it’s bad for your health. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of colon cancer by up to 50 percent. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and maintain a healthy weight. Whether it’s walking, strength training, or a quick jog, movement is one of the best ways to protect your gut and lower your risk.

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3. Watch Your Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Alcohol and smoking introduce harmful chemicals into the body that can damage the cells in the colon. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, and smoking is a known contributor to many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Experts recommend limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking as two of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

4. Know Your Family History

Colon cancer may not always be hereditary, but family history still plays a role. If a parent, sibling, or close relative has had colon cancer or precancerous polyps, your risk doubles or even triples. Dr. Parul Shukla urges people to have open conversations about their health history. “If my father had an advanced adenoma, I should know about it,” he explains. “That would mean I need to be screened years earlier than the general recommendation.” Family history isn’t just personal—it’s a roadmap to your health.

5. Listen to Your Body

Colon cancer doesn’t always come with loud, obvious symptoms, but when warning signs do appear, they shouldn’t be ignored. Blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue could all be signs that something isn’t right. If symptoms persist, don’t wait—get checked. The sooner the problem is caught, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Prevention isn’t about fear—it’s about taking control of your health before problems arise. The choices you make today could save your life tomorrow.

Prevention Starts Today

Colon cancer isn’t a distant threat—it’s happening now, to people younger than ever before. But this isn’t about fear. It’s about power. The power to take control of your health before cancer ever has the chance to take control of you.

The biggest mistake is waiting. Waiting for symptoms to appear. Waiting until you’re “old enough” to think about it. Waiting until life slows down. But cancer doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

One test—a simple screening—can be the difference between early detection and a fight for survival. One habit—eating better, moving more, listening to your body—can change your future. One conversation with your family about medical history could save your life.

Dr. Shukla’s message is clear: Talk about it. Take action. And most importantly, don’t wait. Because when it comes to colon cancer, the best time to act is before it ever begins.

Featured Image Source: Shutterstock

Sources:

Weinberg, B. A., Marshall, J. L., & Salem, M. E. (2017). The growing challenge of young adults with colorectal cancer. PubMed, 31(5), 381–389. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28516436\
Diallo, A., Deschasaux, M., Latino‐Martel, P., Hercberg, S., Galan, P., Fassier, P., Allès, B., Guéraud, F., Pierre, F. H., & Touvier, M. (2017). Red and processed meat intake and cancer risk: Results from the prospective NutriNet‐Santé cohort study. International Journal of Cancer, 142(2), 230–237. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.31046
Byers, T., Levin, B., Rothenberger, D., Dodd, G. D., & Smith, R. A. (1997). American Cancer Society guidelines for screening and surveillance for early detection of colorectal polyps and cancer: update 1997. American Cancer Society Detection and Treatment Advisory Group on Colorectal Cancer. CA a Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 47(3), 154–160. https://doi.org/10.3322/canjclin.47.3.154