When I was 15 years old—just six months after my father died suddenly—my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer.
I remember being absolutely terrified at the thought of losing both parents within a year. At the time, colon cancer felt like a complete mystery. Why my mom?
Fast forward nearly 50 years, and it’s no longer a mystery. But that doesn’t mean we’ve won the war—quite the opposite.
By the grace of God, my mom survived. However, she lived the rest of her 94 years with a permanent colostomy and never again had what most would consider a “normal” bowel movement. And she was only 56 when this all began.
No Longer a Disease of “Older Adults”
Today, colon and rectal cancers are grouped together under the term colorectal cancer.
It’s now the fourth most common cancer in the United States, and alarmingly, rates in adults under 45 have surged nearly 50% since the 1990s.
We’re seeing a troubling trend: diseases once associated with aging are now appearing in younger and younger populations.
Why?
Our modern lifestyle—particularly our diet and gut health—plays a major role.
The Dark Side of Colonoscopies
For years, colonoscopy has been considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening.
But it’s important to understand that:
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Colonoscopies miss approximately 17% of colorectal cancers.
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Risks include bleeding, perforation, infection, and anesthesia complications.
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The aggressive bowel prep can significantly disrupt your gut microbiome.
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Emerging research suggests colonoscopies may not significantly reduce colon cancer deaths in all populations.
While colonoscopy can detect existing cancer, prevention requires something deeper: protecting the integrity of your gut and immune system.
Other Screening Options to Discuss With Your Doctor
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Stool-based tests (gFOBT and FIT)
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FIT-DNA (stool DNA testing)
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Flexible sigmoidoscopy
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CT colonography
Each has pros and cons. An informed conversation with your healthcare provider is key.
I Can See Clearly Now
With decades immersed in nutrition and gut health research, I now understand what likely raised my mother’s risk:
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A diet heavy in sweets and refined carbohydrates
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Overweight and sedentary lifestyle
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Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame
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Lack of probiotic support
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Minimal exercise
These factors contribute to gut dysbiosis, inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and immune dysfunction—all of which increase cancer risk.
Prevention Is Where It’s At
The empowering truth? Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.
Here are five powerful strategies:
1️⃣ Embrace Healthy Carbohydrates
Fresh fruits and vegetables—especially cruciferous vegetables—are nature’s anti-cancer powerhouses.
If your gut is currently sensitive, start gently with easier-to-digest options like white rice and fruit, then gradually build toward a diverse plant intake.
2️⃣ Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods
Nearly 75% of the American diet consists of ultra-processed foods. These products are nutrient-poor and packed with inflammatory oils, preservatives, sugars, and artificial additives that damage the gut and immune system.
3️⃣ Optimize Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a protective role against colorectal cancer and has been associated with improved survival outcomes. Ensuring optimal levels is foundational for immune health.
Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B can help ensure you have health-supporting levels of this crucial nutrient.
4️⃣ Support Your Microbiome With Probiotics
A balanced microbiome supports digestion, elimination, and immune resilience. Since chronic constipation increases colorectal cancer risk, healthy elimination is essential.
A multi-strain probiotic can help maintain that balance.
5️⃣ Ditch Inflammatory Seed Oils
Linoleic acid (LA), abundant in vegetable oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oil, promotes inflammation.
Instead, choose traditional fats such as real butter, tallow, or lard that are stable and supportive of cellular health.
The Bottom Line
You cannot control everything—but you can absolutely influence your risk.
Protect your gut. Nourish your microbiome. Reduce inflammation. Move your body. Get sunshine.
Prevention truly is where it’s at.
To your healthy colon and rectum,
Sherry Brescia
