- Colon cancer is rising in adults under 50, making screening at 45 critical.
- Colonoscopies can prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
- A fiber-rich, plant-forward diet may help lower colon cancer risk.
The news of James Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 came only a couple of years after the actor was diagnosed with colon cancer. Known for his iconic roles in shows like Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s death may have come as a surprise, even to those who followed his health updates. Yet, for gastroenterologists like Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., (also known as Dr. B), stories like Van Der Beek’s are becoming all too common.
Bulsiewicz recently took to Instagram to share a poignant reminder inspired by Van Der Beek’s advocacy: Colorectal cancer is no longer just an “older person’s disease.” It is a preventable disease that we have the tools to stop, provided we take action early enough.
In the wake of this loss, the message from the medical community is clear. We need to talk about our colons, understand new screening guidelines and stop waiting for symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor.
Can You Just Wait for Symptoms?
One of the most dangerous myths about colon cancer is that you will know when something is wrong. We often assume that serious illness announces itself with pain or visible signs. However, Dr. B emphasizes a critical point that he has seen over a decade of looking inside the human colon—silent disease is real.
“The pattern I kept seeing was the one that scared me most,” Bulsiewicz shares in his video. “[It was] young, healthy-looking people with silent disease. People who felt fine. People who thought they were fine. And yet there were precancerous polyps growing inside them.”
This is the crux of why screening is so vital. By the time symptoms like bleeding, persistent abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss appear, the cancer may have already advanced. Screening is designed to catch issues when you still feel perfectly healthy.
Dr. B points out that if you are 45 or older, you simply cannot wait for a reason to book an appointment. And if you have a family history of colon cancer, you may need to get screened earlier.
When Should You Get Screened?
For years, the magic number for a first colonoscopy was 50. But in response to alarming trends in cancer diagnoses, major medical organizations, including the American Cancer Society, lowered the recommended screening age to 45. Colorectal cancer deaths in people under 50 have risen 1.1% annually since 2005. It is now the leading cause of cancer death in Americans under 50, surpassing lung cancer.
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed at 46, just one year past this new screening threshold. His story underscores exactly why the age was lowered. The window for prevention is shifting earlier, and our healthcare habits must shift with it.
Why Do Colonoscopies Help?
There is often anxiety surrounding the idea of a colonoscopy. It’s an invasive procedure, and the preparation is infamously unpleasant. But reframing how we view the procedure can make a significant difference.
Dr. B explains that most people misunderstand the true power of a colonoscopy. “Here’s what most people don’t realize: a colonoscopy isn’t just a test that finds cancer,” Bulsiewicz says. “It’s a procedure that can prevent cancer.”
This distinction is crucial. Unlike a mammogram or a lung scan, which are primarily imaging tests to find existing tumors, a colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to intervene on the spot. When a doctor finds a polyp, or a small clump of cells that can turn into cancer over time, they remove it right then and there.
“Whatever it might have become, it won’t,” Dr. B says. By removing the polyp, the potential future cancer is effectively stopped before it ever starts. It is one of the few medical screenings that offers immediate cancer prevention during the diagnostic process.
How Can You Prevent Colon Cancer?
While screening is the gold standard for prevention, your daily habits play a massive role in the health of your colon. Bulsiewicz is a strong advocate for supporting your gut health through nutrition, emphasizing that what we eat can directly influence our risk.
The cornerstone of a colon-healthy diet is fiber. Fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which in turn produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Butyrate is known to protect the lining of the colon and has anti-cancer properties.
To support your colon health, focus on:
- Plant Variety: Aim to eat a wide diversity of plants. Different plants feed different microbes, creating a more resilient gut ecosystem.
- Whole Grains: Swap refined grains for whole options like oats, quinoa and brown rice.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils and chickpeas are fiber powerhouses.
- Limiting Ultra-Processed Meats: High consumption of ultra-processed meats (think hot dogs, bacon and sausage) has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Our Expert Take
James Van Der Beek spent his remaining years advocating for early screening, using his platform to ensure his diagnosis wasn’t in vain. He went public not for attention, but because he believed his story could save lives. The best way to honor that legacy is to take action. If you are 45, schedule your colonoscopy today. If you have a loved one who is overdue for their screening, send them this reminder. It might be an uncomfortable conversation or an inconvenient appointment, but it is a small price to pay for a long, healthy life.
