Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable — and treatable — cancers, but only if it’s caught early. Alarmingly, rates of colorectal cancer are rising, especially in younger adults. As a physician and advocate for cancer prevention, I recently had the opportunity to speak with ESPN to help raise awareness about this critical issue.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Routine screening can detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stages — sometimes even before symptoms appear. Screening can also identify precancerous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. This is why current guidelines recommend that colorectal cancer screening starts at age 45 — and for those with a family history or other risk factors, screening may need to start even earlier.

Know the Red Flag Symptoms

While regular screening is key, knowing the warning signs is just as important. If you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor — regardless of your age:
    •    Blood in your stool
    •    Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool)
    •    Unexplained weight loss
    •    Ongoing abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
    •    The sensation that you can’t fully empty your bowels

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored.

Prevention Starts with Awareness

Raising awareness about colorectal cancer is one of the most powerful ways to reduce the number of lives lost to this disease. Whether it’s through regular screening, understanding your personal risk, or paying attention to new symptoms, advocating for your own health can make all the difference.

I invite you to watch my full interview with ESPN, where we dive deeper into prevention, screening options, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Together, we can prevent colorectal cancer — through knowledge, action, and advocacy.