"It is clear that this can no longer be called an old person’s disease."

An increasing number of people are dying of colorectal cancer at a young age, including those as young as 20. Actor James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, died at age 48 on Feb. 11, 2026, bringing the disease back into the limelight.

Dr Salhab observed that while not all polyps turn cancerous, some do, and knowing the warning signs helps in their early detecting.

Colon cancer is rising in adults under 50, making screening at 45 critical. Colonoscopies can prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps. A fiber-rich, plant-forward diet may help lower colon cancer risk.

This symptom is often dismissed, which is why it's so important to recognize.

The recent death of the 48-year-old actor James Van Der Beek is again highlighting how colorectal cancer is increasingly killing younger people.

While doctors recommend getting screened for colon cancer around age 45, people with an increased risk or early warning signs should think about getting screened sooner.

When most people think about colon cancer warning signs, they immediately focus on obvious digestive issues. Blood in stool, dramatic weight loss, or severe abdominal pain typically come to mind. However, the earliest and most commonly overlooked sign of ...

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