From the Desk of a Doctor Newsletter
⚠️ Colon Cancer Is Rising — Even in Young Adults
For decades, colon cancer was considered a disease of older age.
That assumption is now dangerously outdated.
What the data show (U.S. cancer registries, 1999–2023):
Ages 20–24: +185% increase
Ages 30–34: ~71% increase
Ages 35–39: ~58% increase
Because of this trend, screening guidelines were updated — routine colonoscopy now starts at age 45, down from 50.
🤔 Why is this happening?
The answer isn’t simple — but it’s largely environmental.
People born after ~1980 largely grew up with:
Ultra-processed foods
Early and repeated antibiotic exposure
Altered gut microbiomes
More sedentary lifestyles
By the time these individuals reach their 20s–40s, the cumulative damage becomes visible.
🌾 A major factor that’s often overlooked: fiber
Fiber intake has quietly collapsed — and the colon is one of the first organs to suffer
Recommended intake
Women: 25 g/day
Men: 38 g/day
Average actual intake: ~14–16 g/day
👉 Over 90% of Americans do not meet fiber recommendations.
🧠 Why fiber matters
Dietary fiber is the single strongest and most consistent dietary factor associated with lower colon cancer risk.
What the data show:
Every +10 g/day of fiber → ~10–15% lower colorectal cancer risk
High-fiber diets → ~20–30% lower risk overall
Whole-grain fiber shows some of the strongest protection
This is one of the most robust nutrition–cancer relationships we have. (PMID22074852)
🥦 How to get enough fiber (the right way)
The best sources are whole plant foods:
Vegetables
Beans and lentils
Berries and fruit
Whole grains
Nuts and seeds
These foods don’t just provide fiber — they also support gut health, metabolic health, and inflammation control.
✅ If you need help closing the gap
If you’re not getting enough fiber from food alone and want to supplement, my personal preference is BelliWelli — clean ingredients, added prebiotics, and genuinely good taste.
👉 Want an exclusive discount? Use code MYRO20 for 20% off your daily fiber here. I heard they just launched delicious, brand new fiber gummies!
Want it fast? Grab their bestselling stick pack variety pack on Amazon here.
➡️ Bottom line:
Colon cancer risk is rising earlier — but fiber remains one of the most powerful, accessible tools we have to reduce that risk.
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About the Author
I’m Dr. Myro, a board-certified doctor and med school educator who somehow ended up with over 6 million followers watching my science videos on
YouTube,
Instagram,
TikTok,
and Facebook.
I’ve published 60+ scientific abstracts and even written a book, but this newsletter is my favorite project. Here I get to share the good stuff — simple, actionable health tips delivered twice a week. Happy to have you here.
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