Episode 127 - World Health Day

Today, as we record, it is World Health Day.  7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. This years theme is “Together for health. Stand with science.” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the plane.    While controversial, we want to lean into your overall health and how we can change the world through staying informed of the latest discoveries and how you can live a well life.    Today we are going to take a look at Colon Cancer which is on the rise Colon Cancer: Why It’s Rising & What You Can Do Today Colon cancer—once considered a disease of aging—is now one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in younger adults. Even more alarming… many of these cases are preventable. Today, we’re breaking down: Why is colon cancer on the rise The latest statistics And most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself Episode 35 with Dusty Kinley, who passed away last week from colon cancer.  The Current Statistics In the U.S., about 154,000 people are diagnosed each year with colorectal cancer Over 55,000 deaths annually Lifetime risk: about 1 in 25 men and 1 in 26 women But here’s the shift that’s grabbing attention: 1 in 5 cases now occurs in people under 55 Rates in adults under 50 are increasing by ~2–3% per year Colon cancer is now the #1 cancer killer in young adults This is not just a trend—it’s a public health wake-up call.   Why Is Colon Cancer Increasing? Here’s the truth: there’s no single cause—but several powerful drivers. 1. Diet & Ultra-Processed Foods High intake of processed meats, low fiber, and refined foods is strongly linked to colon cancer risk.  Even daily processed meat consumption can increase the risk by about 18% 2. Gut Health & Microbiome Disruption Your gut bacteria play a critical role. Modern diets, antibiotics, and environmental toxins may disrupt this balance—leading to inflammation and cancer risk. 3. Sedentary Lifestyle Less movement = slower digestion + increased exposure of the colon to toxins. Physical inactivity is a consistent risk factor 4. Obesity & Metabolic Health Excess body fat promotes chronic inflammation and insulin resistance—both linked to cancer development. 5. Alcohol & Smoking Both increase oxidative stress and damage to colon cells 6. Earlier-Life Exposure Researchers now believe that what happens in childhood and early adulthood—diet, environment, lifestyle—may set the stage decades earlier 7. Genetics (But Not the Whole Story) About 30% of cases involve family history, but most cases are lifestyle-related What Can You Do to Prevent It? Here’s the empowering part—many cases are preventable. 1. Prioritize Fiber-Rich Nutrition Vegetables, fruits, whole grains Aim for 25–35g fiber daily Fiber helps move waste through the colon and supports a healthy microbiome 2. Reduce Processed & Red Meat Limit processed meats (bacon, sausage, deli meats) Keep red meat to a few servings per week 3. Move Your Body Consistently At least 150 minutes per week Strength training + walking = powerful combination 4. Maintain a Healthy Weight Metabolic health directly impacts cancer risk 5. Limit Alcohol & Avoid Smoking Both are modifiable—and impactful 6. Get Screened (This Is Critical) Start screening at age 45 (earlier if high risk) Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps 7. Pay Attention to Symptoms Don’t ignore: Blood in stool Persistent constipation or diarrhea Unexplained weight loss Abdominal pain Early detection saves lives. The Shield™ blood test is an FDA-approved (July 2024), non-invasive screening tool for colorectal cancer (CRC) in adults 45+ at average risk, featuring 83% sensitivity for cancer detection. It detects methylated DNA fragments from tumors via a single blood draw. While convenient, it is less effective at detecting Stage I cancers and early precancerous polyps compared to colonoscopies.  The Bigger Message Colon cancer is rising—but so is awareness. This isn’t just about disease. It’s about how we live, eat, move, and care for our bodies daily. Your colon reflects your lifestyle. Here’s your takeaway: 👉 What you do every day either increases risk—or builds protection. Start simple: Add more fiber Move your body Schedule your screening And most importantly—don’t wait for symptoms to take action. -------------------------------------- Dr. Glenda’s new Book:  40-Days Closer to Him, A God-Inspired Wellness Plan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPPLRBYV For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media: Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/ FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1   Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1   Produced by KB Podcasts