Today, more young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more are dying.
We hope to put an end to that trend.

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is one of the most common forms of cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and among young adults it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths.

According to recent trends, more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at an alarming rate. In January 2019, Raleigh entrepreneur and activist, Brooks Bell, became one of them.

The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable if found in its earliest stages. That’s why we’re launching 50 Colonoscopies Under 50, a campaign to encourage at-risk adults under the age of 50 to get colonoscopies.

How to Be Brave Like Brooks

Get smart.

Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Limit your intake of red or processed meats. Don’t smoke.

There are lots of obvious and not-so-obvious ways to limit your risk of getting colon cancer. Make sure you know them all.

talk to your family about their medical history.

Brooks had no idea that colon cancer ran in her family until after her diagnosis. But 25% of all colorectal patients have a family history of the disease and/or a genetic condition that makes some people more likely to develop colon cancer. Learn more about genetic risk factors.

Know the signs & Symptoms.

Early stage colon cancer may show no signs or symptoms, which can make it hard to detect, but specific things to keep an eye out for include:

• Blood in your stool

• Change in bathroom habits

• Fatigue

• Anemia

• Unexplained weight loss

• Persistent cramps or lower back pain

• Feeling bloated

Get a colonoscopy.

Colon cancer starts with polyps, small growths that in time can turn cancerous. Getting a colonoscopy can help your doctor find (and remove) these growths before they ever become cancerous.

A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor examines your colon via a small scope. It’s simple, painless, only takes 30 minutes and is considered the gold-standard in preventing colon cancer.