By Natalie & Brittni, Dietitian Moms and Creators of Bloom Boost
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged:
Colon cancer rates are rising rapidly among young adults. Once considered a disease that mostly affected people over 65, colorectal cancer is now being diagnosed more frequently in people in their 30s, 40s, and even 20s.According to the American Cancer Society, the rate of colorectal cancer in people under 50 has increased by more than 50% since the mid-1990s. In fact, it is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50.
👉 Source
So what’s going on? And what can we do about it?
The Diet Connection: Ultra-Processed and Low in Fiber
Researchers believe the spike in early-onset colon cancer is due to a complex combination of factors, including increased exposure to ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins, sedentary lifestyles, disrupted gut microbiomes, and critically low fiber intake.Many people are shocked to learn that ultra-processed foods now make up 60% of the average American diet. These include:
- Protein bars
- Flavored yogurts
- Frozen pizzas
- Soda and sweetened beverages
- Packaged snacks and fast food
Often marketed as convenient or even “healthy,” these foods are typically low in fiber and nutrients essential to long-term gut health. 👉 Source While protein gets hyped for its muscle-building benefits, fiber has quietly fallen off the radar—and that may be hurting us.
Why Fiber Matters for Colon Health
Fiber is non-negotiable for digestive and colon health. Here's why it matters:
- Feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which support immune function and reduce inflammation
- Speeds up transit time in the colon, helping move waste and carcinogens out quickly
- Produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which nourish colon cells and may inhibit tumor growth
- Improves bowel regularity, reducing risk of constipation and straining
One large-scale study found that a high-fiber diet was associated with a 30% reduced risk of colorectal cancer. 👉 Source Yet, most people are falling far short. The average fiber intake in North America is just 15 grams per day—well below the recommended 25g for women and 38g for men. 👉 Source
How Fiber Supports a Healthy Gut Microbiome
Your colon is home to trillions of bacteria. Some promote health, others contribute to inflammation and disease. Fiber is their food—specifically prebiotic fiber, which helps grow beneficial strains.When these microbes ferment fiber, they create short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which:
- Strengthen the gut lining
- Calm inflammation
- Boost immune defense
- May reduce colon cancer risk 👉 Source
Low fiber = poor microbial diversity = greater disease risk. The solution? Feed your gut.
Common Symptoms Often Dismissed in Young Adults
One of the most troubling aspects of this trend is how often symptoms are ignored or misdiagnosed. Many young adults live with symptoms for months or years before being taken seriously.
🚩 Symptoms to watch for:
- Blood in the stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
Because of their age, many are told it’s stress, IBS, or "nothing serious." And most screening doesn’t begin until age 45.
What You Can Do Today
We’re not here to scare anyone—but we are here to say:
👉 You have more power than you think. You don’t need a perfect diet or a new identity to protect your colon. A few consistent habits go a long way:
✅ Add chia, flax, psyllium—or just one scoop of Bloom Boost—to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt
✅ Eat a variety of fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains
✅ Enjoy fermented foods to support your gut microbiome:
- Yogurt (with live active cultures)
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Natto
- Kombucha
- Naturally fermented pickles
- Sourdough bread (from wild starters)
✅ Move your body regularly
✅ Drink water throughout the day
✅ Advocate for yourself if symptoms appear
Beyond Fiber: Other Protective Habits
While fiber is essential, it's part of a bigger picture. Other lifestyle factors that may reduce colon cancer risk include:
- Vitamin D and calcium intake 👉 Source
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco
- Stress management — chronic stress affects gut health and inflammation
Quick Fiber Fixes (Even on Busy Days)
🌀 Add 1 tbsp of Bloom Boost to smoothies or applesauce
🍓 Keep frozen berries or fruit in the freezer
🥣 Swap white rice for lentils or quinoa
🥬 Toss canned beans into pasta, soups, or salads
🍿 Snack on air-popped popcorn instead of chips
You Deserve to Feel Good—Every Day
We created Bloom Boost because we wanted something real—not a gimmick, not a cleanse. Just a simple, powerful tool to help families (ours included) get the fiber they need to feel their best. Colon health is a lifelong investment. It starts with awareness, and it continues with every bite.
Fiber isn’t just about digestion—it’s about resilience, prevention, and vitality. Let’s get fiber back on the radar. Let’s care for our gut the way we care for everything else that matters. Save this post. Share it with someone under 50. And add fiber to your next bite. 💛 At Bloom Boost, we created a blend of fiber-rich seeds and ingredients to make this easier. One scoop offers 6g of fiber and fits into smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, and even baked goods—making it a simple way to increase fiber for you (and your kids).
