WHY YOU SHOULD READ THIS NOW
Colon cancer is becoming increasingly common in people under 45. Rates in adults under 40 have nearly doubled since the 1990s.
Colonoscopy is the only test that both detects and removes precancerous polyps in one step.
If you have family history or symptoms, waiting until 45 may be waiting too long.
Today’s Opponent:
Early-Onset Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer isn’t just a “disease of aging” anymore. Younger adults are being diagnosed at alarming rates. Lifestyle factors like diet and obesity play a role, but so may hidden exposures.
This includes microplastics, which have now been found embedded in colon cancer tumors. These tiny particles can inflame and irritate the colon lining, potentially accelerating cancer risk.
I’ll never forget a patient I saw in his late 30s. He was fit, active, with no major health complaints. He came to my clinic for some mild bleeding he thought was hemorrhoids.
He was busy with work, young kids at home, and admitted he’d been putting off seeing a doctor.
When I performed his colonoscopy, I found a tumor. He was shocked. The truth is, this scenario is becoming far too common.
Colon cancer is no longer just a disease of the old, and every time I have to give that diagnosis to someone under 40, I think: if only we had screened sooner.
5 Reasons You Should Get A Colonoscopy Before 45
1. You have a family history of colon cancer.
If a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) had colon cancer before 60, you should start at age 40 (or 10 years earlier than their diagnosis—whichever comes first).
2. You have a family history of advanced adenomas.
These large, high-risk polyps are precursors to cancer. If your parent had one, your screening clock starts ticking earlier than age 40.
3. You have 2 or more relatives with colon cancer.
Multiple family cases, even at older ages, push your risk significantly higher. Although there are no official guidelines on what to do in this scenario, most GI physicians (myself included) will recommend screening earlier. Don’t wait until 45.
4. You have a strong family clustering of any cancers.
Colon, breast, uterine, pancreatic, stomach. If your family tree has multiple cancers, you may carry a hereditary syndrome such as Lynch, and colonoscopy before 45 is crucial.
5. You have symptoms that demand a diagnostic colonoscopy.
At this point, it’s not screening anymore.. it’s looking for answers. Blood in stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, or new bowel habit changes all qualify. Yes, hemorrhoids are common, but they’re not always the explanation.
“Colon cancer doesn’t care about birthdays. I’ve had to tell 30-somethings they had advanced polyps or even cancer. The earlier we look, the earlier we find. And the better the chance at cure.”
“I trained when colon cancer was almost always thought of as an ‘older person’s disease.’ That’s no longer true. Microplastics, diet, and other modern exposures are stacking the odds against younger adults. Please don’t wait until 45 if you have risk factors or symptoms.”
What To Tell Your Doctor
“I’m under 45 but I have [family history / symptoms]. Should I get a colonoscopy now instead of waiting? I’ve heard cancer in younger adults is on the rise, and I want to be proactive.”
TikTok Trend We’d (Not Quite) Ban
“Fart Walking” for Better Digestion and Blood Sugar Control?!
Dr. Storage did a TikTok on this topic the other day, and her advice is spot on:
“The fart walk works. It’s free, easy, and one of the best habits you can add for gut and overall health.”
Yes, it’s a funny name.. but the science is solid. The “fart walk” is simply taking a 5–15 minute light walk after eating.
Bombs away, do it!
Research shows it speeds up gastric emptying, stimulates peristalsis (the gut’s natural wave-like contractions), and helps reduce gas and bloating.
This may be especially helpful if you’re taking a GLP-1, like Ozempic or Wegovy, since those can cause gastroparesis (slow digestion).
Even a 2-minute post-meal walk has been shown to blunt blood sugar spikes compared to sitting still. Over time, this small habit supports healthier digestion, better metabolic control, and less discomfort after meals.
Verdict: NOT BANNED.
What’s On Your Mind?
Respond to this email and let us know!
As gastroenterologists, we definitely have a lot to talk about when it comes to your gut health and well-being. But we can’t always get to everything (you know… like coffee enemas)! So reply directly to this email or DM us on TikTok below and maybe YOUR topic will be featured soon!
