News flash: Everyone poops.  

The famous children’s book by Tarō Gomi titled “Everyone Poops” aims to reduce the stigma and embarrassment about pooping. While the book is wildly popular, there is still a stigma around talking about bowel movements, a hesitation that could reduce the chances of early cancer detection.  

Colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50 years of age and is often found at later stages in young adults. Approximately 10% of colorectal cancer diagnoses are in people under 50, with the incidence in younger adults growing by 1% to 2% each year. Young-onset colorectal cancer could become the deadliest cancer in young adults by 2030.  

Despite this worrisome trend, several preventative measures remain within your control:

• Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet and avoid processed meats, like lunch meat, bacon and hot dogs.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy body weight and exercise regularly. You can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by at least 20% with 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. 
• Don’t drink or smoke. If you do drink, limit your intake. If you smoke, find help to reduce or eliminate smoking. 
• Ask your parents about a family history of cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Get screened! For people with average risk, screening begins at age 45. Those with risk factors or symptoms should be screened earlier. 

It’s important to feel comfortable talking with your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Change in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowed stools.
• Feeling like you have more stool to expel after having a bowel movement.
• Abdominal (stomach) pain or cramping. 
• Feeling full when you haven’t eaten that much.
• Blood in your stool or on the toilet paper.
• Unintentional weight loss.

Everyone poops! Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from getting the care you need. 

Lora Packel, Ph.D., is the interim associate dean of the School of Health Professions at St. Joe’s.