The Silent Killer No One Is Talking About

For decades, we’ve been told that colon cancer is an “old person’s disease.” We’ve treated it like a distant worry, something to put on the calendar after retirement. But as we observe Colon Cancer Awareness Month this March, the data tells a much different—and more urgent—story.

The headlines have recently been filled with the tragic news of the passing of beloved cultural icons James Van Der Beek and Catherine O’Hara. Their battles with colorectal cancer have sent shockwaves through the community, not just because of their fame, but because of the reality they represent: colon cancer doesn’t wait for old age.

The Alarming New Reality: #1 Under 50

You might be surprised to learn that colorectal cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men and women under the age of 50.

While overall cancer deaths have been dropping thanks to medical advancements, colon cancer is the outlier. It is the only major cancer where the death rate is actually increasing for younger adults. According to recent data from the American Cancer Society, deaths among people under 50 have been rising by roughly 1% every year.

Why Early Detection is Your Secret Weapon

Despite these sobering statistics, there is a powerful silver lining. Colon cancer is the most preventable of all common cancers.

Unlike many other diseases, colon cancer almost always begins as a small growth called a polyp. During a routine colonoscopy, these polyps can be found and—more importantly—removed right then and there. By removing the polyp, you are effectively stopping cancer before it even has a chance to start.

As Dr. Keith Berger, CEO of the Center for Health and Cancer Prevention, often tells his patients: “A 10-minute exam can literally save your life.”

Success Stories: It’s Not Just a Statistic

We see the power of early detection every day. Take the story of “Mark,” a 46-year-old Virginia Beach resident who came in for his first screening after the national guidelines dropped the recommended age to 45. Mark had no symptoms—he felt great. During his 10-minute procedure, Dr. Berger found and removed three pre-cancerous polyps. Because Mark didn’t wait, his story ended with a clean bill of health rather than a cancer diagnosis.

What You Need to Know Now

If you are in your 40s, the “wait and see” approach is no longer an option. Here is the current landscape of prevention:

• Age 45 is the New 50: National guidelines now recommend that everyone at average risk start regular screenings at age 45.
• The “Prep” is Easier Than Ever: Gone are the days of drinking gallons of chalky liquids. New “low-volume” preps and improved anesthesia make the process patient-friendly and entirely painless.
• Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore “minor” red flags like persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss.

Take Action This March

In memory of those we’ve lost and in celebration of the survivors who caught it early, the Center for Health and Cancer Prevention is urging the Hampton Roads community to take control of their health.

Don’t let a preventable disease catch you off guard. Talk to your doctor, know your family history, and schedule your screening.

To learn more or to schedule an interview with Dr. Keith Berger, visit VirginiaColonoscopy.com or call us at (757) 412-4919.