When news broke about James Van Der Beek colon cancer, it forced a conversation many people have been avoiding. Colon cancer has long been considered a disease of older adults. But that narrative is outdated. Rates are climbing in younger people. Women are being diagnosed earlier. And far too many are told their symptoms are “just stress,” “just IBS,” or “just hormones.”

In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening with colon cancer trends, what the symptoms of colon cancer actually look like (especially in women), and what you can do right now to lower your risk. This is not fear-based medicine. This is informed, proactive prevention rooted in science. We break down colon cancer screening options, the data on early-onset disease, and the often-overlooked causes of colon cancer—from dietary patterns to microbiome shifts to hormone changes in midlife.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to protect yourself and your family with clarity instead of confusion.

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