The recent death of TV star James Van Der Beek puts the spotlight on colon cancer – and this month is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he told People. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy – or as far as I knew it at the time.”
Colorectal cancer rates are increasing among young people. The disease doesn’t wait for old age, and it often develops without obvious symptoms.
For people in midlife and later, this is a critical reminder about testing. Regular exercise, a diet rich in fiber and whole foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting processed meats and alcohol are all associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. But none of that replaces a colonoscopy or is certain to keep us in the clear.
When caught in its earliest stages, colorectal cancer has a cure rate of more than 90%. But in most cases, it’s already past that point when diagnosed. Health officials now recommend that screenings start at age 45 – earlier if you have family history.
Van Der Beek spent his final years urging people to get tested. “If anybody takes anything away from this,” he said, “get tested. Talk to your doctor.”
Talk to your doctor about this subject.
For screening information and resources, visit cdc.gov/cancer or the Colorectal Cancer Alliance at colorectalcancer.org.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.