Millennial moms collectively mourned the recent passing of James Van Der Beek, the heart throb of the angsty teen T.V. drama Dawson’s Creek and handsome hero of the box office hit Varsity Blues. His recent public battle with colon cancer was short and his death in February, at the age of 48, compounded the shock of it all.
James Van Der Beek is not the first young celebrity to lose a battle with colon cancer. Chadwick Boseman’s (a.k.a. Black Panther) passing in 2020, at the age of 43, brought to light the importance of screenings and early detection and the fact that colon cancer victims were starting to skew younger and younger in age.
In early 2000, President Clinton designated the month of March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the disease and encourage screening. While that work has saved lives, colorectal cancer is the only major cancer rising in people under 50.
Personal Perspective
Colon cancer touched my family when I was only 14 and my dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. No history. No symptoms. But the evidence, and test results, were clear. My dad was the picture of good health as far as I knew. He ate well, exercised regularly, was rarely, if ever, sick, and always wore his seatbelt! Cancer?! The doctors had it all wrong. I watched my dad go through surgery, then radiation and then the mother of all treatments: chemotherapy. It was hard to watch the strongest man I knew become weak and frail because of this monstrous disease. Colon cancer took my dad from me when I was 18. He was only 51.
Since my father’s passing, I have become an advocate for colon cancer awareness and prevention. I have made personal proactive choices like getting screened every five years, due to my family history, and making changes to my habits and lifestyle.
Practical Perspective
Here are the most recent facts and statistics about Colorectal Cancer (CRC):
- In the U.S., 10% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people under 50.
- Colorectal cancer is the 4th most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
- Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
- More than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer this year.
- 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
- The average age of diagnosis among men and women is 66.
- There are more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.
- 45 – The age people at average risk should start getting checked.
(source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance)
Proactive = Preventable
It is so important for everyone to know their family history and risk factors associated with CRC because this knowledge can save lives. CRC can be prevented with screening and is highly treatable when detected early. A proactive approach is the best chance for prevention. Here are some ways you can “stay on top of your bottom!”
SCREENING – For individuals at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45 continuing every 10 years until age 75. For individuals with high-risk factors (i.e. family history – first-degree relative – of colorectal cancer or polyps) screening should begin at age 40, or 10 years younger than the age their relative was diagnosed, whichever is earlier.
DIET – Plant-based diets that are high in fiber reduce the risk for colorectal cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting the amount of red and processed meat in your diet to further reduce the risk.
EXERCISE – The Colorectal Cancer Alliance recommends 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day to protect against colorectal cancer.
HABIT & LIFESTYLE CHANGES– It is highly recommended that individuals, regardless of risk factors, try to limit or avoid alcohol and definitely avoid cigarettes.
Not sure what your next step should be? Take this helpful quiz to find out what prevention options are right for you!
Participate with a Purpose
There are many ways you can participate in spreading awareness about CRC along with supporting and advocating for patients and families who have been impacted by this disease. Here are a few suggestions!
Dress in Blue Day
Dress in Blue Day is the first Friday in March that promotes National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This day lets allies everywhere join the mission to end colorectal cancer. By wearing blue, you bring awareness to this disease, support research work, and honor all who have been impacted by colorectal cancer.
Strollin’ For The Colon
Strollin’ for the Colon is in its fifth year of raising funds and awareness for CRC. This local, family-friendly 5k walk/run event will be held at Richland Creek Greenway on Saturday, March 28th at 9:00am and includes a Kids Fun Run. The event is free for CRC patients and survivors. Youth tickets are $15 . Adult tickets are $35. “Get your rear in gear” and show your support!
Relay For Life
On Friday, March 27th, Middle Tennessee State University will host Relay For Life – a walk to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life. To participate, simply sign up here, grab your friends, raise some funds and get walking!
Monetary Donations
Cancer research will never cease and neither will the need for funds. There are many organizations dedicated to colon cancer research. The list below includes recommended organizations you can donate to today in an effort to find a cure for CRC.
Colorectal Cancer Alliance – The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is the largest non-profit dedicated to colorectal cancer and is fiercely determined to end colon and rectal cancers within our lifetime. Together with a nation of passionate allies, we advocate for prevention, magnify support, and accelerate research to stop this disease. Your contribution helps bring us closer to a world free from colorectal cancer.
Colon Cancer Coalition – What started as one woman’s vision has since grown into a national coalition of passionate advocates working together to end colorectal cancer deaths. The coalition’s mission is to improve health outcomes by reducing barriers to complete colorectal cancer screening and educating the public to advocate for their own health through tailored, local, grassroots solutions.
American Cancer Society – The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Global Colon Cancer Association – GCCA was founded with the goal of creating a global community in which people around the world can join together and battle CRC with one united voice. GCCA has grown to become a patient advocacy organization and an umbrella organization for patient advocacy groups, healthcare and research institutions, professional societies, and industry partners worldwide who are united against colorectal cancer.
Become an Advocate
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance recognizes the need for policies that help their goal to end colorectal cancer within our lifetime. Their continuous collaboration with scientists at public, private, and government research institutions help to fund the critical research that will lead to new drugs and treatment protocols. Their advocacy and policy efforts are focused on finding ways to facilitate treatment, screen and prevent colon and rectal cancer, and fund life-saving research.
You can join their efforts by contacting Kim Newcomer, Senior Director of Research Programs, at [email protected]. Her team will reach out to you to respond to action alerts (i.e. calling your legislators, sending a letter, using their pre-packaged social media assets) to spread awareness, or galvanizing others to join the cause.
Become an Ally
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance offers many different ways you can make an impact and show solidarity among the CRC community, including volunteer outreach, local event support, starting a fundraiser and more! This is your chance to personally make a difference in the lives of those touched by CRC.
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early.
While the rise of colon cancer in younger adults is a worrisome trend, early detection remains our most powerful weapon. Take action by getting the facts, knowing your risk factors and getting screened.
*If you or someone you love is battling CRC, know that you are not in this fight alone. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is on your side and ready to help. Call their toll-free helpline: (877) 422-2030.
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