March 6th, 2026 Local News
Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Recent headlines surrounding actor James Van Der Beek have renewed attention on Colorectal Cancer, a disease that doctors say is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults.
Health experts say the disease remains the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States. While it has traditionally been associated with older adults, about 20 percent of cases are now found in people under the age of 55, a growing trend that has raised concern among researchers and physicians.
The issue first drew widespread attention after the death of actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020 following a private battle with the disease.
According to Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, the exact reason for the rise in younger cases is not yet fully understood. However, experts say there are several important steps people can take to reduce their risk.
Screening remains the most effective tool.
Doctors recommend most adults begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. Tests such as colonoscopies and stool-based tests can detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Screening can also identify growths called polyps before they develop into cancer.
Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier and undergo testing more frequently.
Health experts also recommend several lifestyle habits that can help lower the risk of developing the disease:
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of at least 13 types of cancer, including colorectal cancer.
Avoid smoking. Smoking is linked to colorectal cancer and many other serious diseases.
Stay physically active. Experts suggest aiming for about 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.
Limit alcohol consumption. Health professionals say avoiding alcohol altogether provides the lowest cancer risk.
Eat a healthy diet. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and other high-fiber foods may help reduce risk, while limiting red and processed meats such as bacon, sausage, steak, and hamburgers.
Doctors also urge people not to ignore possible warning signs of colorectal cancer, including blood in the stool, persistent stomach pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing fatigue.
Experts say these symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional regardless of age.
Research suggests that up to 75 percent of colorectal cancers could be prevented through regular screening and healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Health leaders emphasize that while cancer risk is influenced by many factors, taking preventive steps and catching the disease early can significantly improve outcomes.