Arnold says here is a Number You Won't Forget: 91%

^{The 4 Warning Signs That Could Save Your Life}

This week, James Van Der Beek passed away at 48. The father of six spent his final months doing something that mattered more than any role he ever played: urging people to pay attention to their bodies and get screened for colorectal cancer.

By most measures, he was healthy and fit. And he had stage 3 cancer with no idea. The only clue? A subtle change in his bowel habits, which he blamed on coffee.

His story isn't rare. The research tells us exactly what to look for so you can protect your body and catch any threat as early as possible.

A study of more than 5,000 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 identified four warning signs that appeared up to two years before diagnosis, and nearly 20% of patients had at least one.

Researchers analyzed insurance claims data of people diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer. They found four red-flag symptoms that showed up significantly more in those who went on to be diagnosed: abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia. The more warning signs someone had, the higher the likelihood of diagnosis.

Here's what makes this actionable rather than scary: colorectal cancer develops slowly from precancerous polyps over 10 to 15 years. 

When caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 91%. Colonoscopy screening reduces both incidence and mortality by roughly 68%. It doesn't just detect cancer; it prevents it by removing polyps before they turn dangerous.

And screening is only half the equation. Research estimates that 45% to 70% of colorectal cancers are preventable through lifestyle factors you're probably already working on. 

Getting 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week reduces your risk by about 20%. Eating 30 grams of high-quality fiber daily is consistently protective in research. 

Good whole food sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits and vegetables, oats, and legumes. Keeping processed meat intake low (think bacon, deli meats, hot dogs) matters too, as some research suggests just 50 grams per day increases risk by 18%. You don't need a perfect diet. You need a better pattern, most of the time.

The screening age is now 45 (many people still think it's 50). If you have a family history of polyps, talk to your doctor about starting at 40. And if you notice any persistent change in your bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained fatigue, or abdominal pain lasting more than two weeks, don't wait. Don't rationalize it. Just go.

Van Der Beek said it best in his final TODAY interview: "Get tested. Talk to your doctor." Honor that.