Two Tragic Losses, One Urgent Message: Why Colorectal Cancer Is Surging — and What We Can Do to Protect Ourselves
In the span of just a few weeks, two heartbreaking stories have shaken many of us awake.
Actor James Van Der Beek recently shared that he lost a close friend to colorectal cancer — a young, vibrant man whose only early symptom was blood in the stool. No pain. No dramatic warning signs. Just a subtle signal that most people would brush off.
By the time he sought help, the cancer had already advanced. It moved fast. Too fast.
And then, closer to home, we lost Jeff, another life cut short by colorectal cancer. His passing wasn’t just tragic — it was shocking. Another relatively young man. Another aggressive cancer. Another family left with questions and grief.
Two different lives.
Two different stories.
One disturbing pattern.
Something is happening, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone.
The Rise of Aggressive, Fast-Moving Cancers in Younger Adults
Colorectal cancer used to be a disease of older adults. Today, it’s one of the fastest-growing cancers in people under 50. Doctors are reporting cases that progress unusually quickly — cancers that don’t behave like the ones we saw 20 or 30 years ago.
Many clinicians have begun using the term “turbo cancers” to describe these aggressive, fast-moving forms.
So what changed?
From my perspective — as a pharmacist, educator, and someone who has spent years studying post-COVID physiology — two major forces keep showing up again and again.
1. Post-COVID Immune Disruption and the Spike Protein Burden
Whether someone had COVID, received mRNA vaccines, or both, the spike protein has been shown to linger in the body longer than originally believed. Research has documented its ability to:
- Disrupt immune signaling
- Trigger chronic inflammation
- Contribute to micro-clotting
- Stress mitochondria
- Interfere with immune surveillance
Immune surveillance is the body’s early-warning system — the mechanism that identifies abnormal cells before they become a threat.
When that system is overwhelmed or confused, cancers can grow faster and evade detection.
This doesn’t mean COVID or vaccines “cause cancer.” But it does mean the post-COVID immune landscape is different, and ignoring that reality puts people at risk.
2. Ultraprocessed Foods and the Colorectal Cancer Connection
At the same time, we’re witnessing record consumption of ultraprocessed foods — especially among younger adults. These foods:
- Damage the gut microbiome
- Increase inflammation
- Spike insulin and blood sugar
- Introduce chemical additives and emulsifiers
- Deplete essential nutrients
- Promote oxidative stress
Colorectal cancer is strongly tied to diet. And the modern diet is more processed than at any point in human history.
When you combine a stressed, dysregulated immune system with a gut environment inflamed by ultraprocessed foods, you create the perfect storm for early-onset colorectal cancer.
Jeff’s passing. Van Der Beek’s friend. The rising statistics. They’re all pointing to the same underlying crisis.
So What Can We Do? Strengthening the Body’s Defense Systems
The encouraging part is this: the body is incredibly resilient when given the right support. I’ve seen this in my own recovery journey and in countless people I’ve worked with.
Here are the pillars I emphasize for restoring immune intelligence and reducing cancer-promoting inflammation.
1. Foundational Supplementation to Rebuild What Modern Life Depletes
High-potency vitamins and minerals support:
- DNA repair
- Antioxidant defenses
- Mitochondrial energy production
- Immune cell function
- Detoxification pathways
In today’s environment, foundational supplementation isn’t optional — it’s essential.
2. Anti-Inflammatory, Whole-Food Nutrition
A simple rule: If it’s made in a plant, be cautious. If it comes from a plant, eat it.
Focus on:
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Clean proteins
- Healthy fats
- Fermented foods
- Fiber-rich plants
Avoid:
- Seed oils
- Processed meats
- Refined carbs
- Artificial additives
- Anything with a shelf life longer than your dog
This alone dramatically reduces colorectal cancer risk.
3. Transfer Factors for Immune Intelligence
Transfer factors help the immune system “remember” how to respond appropriately — not overreacting, not underreacting. They support:
- Immune modulation
- Faster recognition of abnormal cells
- Improved resilience during chronic stress
- Balanced immune signaling
In a post-COVID world, immune intelligence matters more than ever.
4. Gut Repair and Microbiome Support
Because 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, restoring gut integrity is non-negotiable.
This includes:
- Probiotics
- Prebiotics
- Digestive enzymes
- Eliminating inflammatory foods
A healthy gut equals a more intelligent immune system.
5. Systemic Enzymes for Circulation and Inflammation
Post-COVID research has highlighted micro-clots and fibrin buildup. Systemic enzymes — including nattokinase — support:
- Healthy blood flow
- Fibrin breakdown
- Reduced inflammatory load
- Better nutrient delivery
This is especially important for anyone dealing with long-COVID symptoms, fatigue, or unexplained inflammation.
The Bigger Picture
Jeff’s death. Van Der Beek’s friend. The rising tide of early-onset cancers.
These aren’t isolated tragedies — they’re signals. Signals that our immune systems are under unprecedented stress. Signals that our food environment is working against us. Signals that we must take ownership of our health in a new way.
But we are not powerless.
By restoring nutrient density, supporting immune intelligence, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the gut and vascular systems, we give the body the tools it needs to repair, defend, and thrive.
If you want help building a personalized plan — or you’re dealing with post-COVID symptoms, inflammation, or immune challenges — reach out. This is the work I’m most passionate about, and I’m here to help you navigate it with clarity and confidence.
Contact me today to start protecting your health against the rising threat of colorectal cancer in young adults.