Podcast Summary: Chasing Life

Episode: Think You’re Too Young for Colorectal Cancer? Think Again.

Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN)
Date: February 17, 2026

Overview

This episode explores the alarming rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults, breaking down the latest statistics, warning signs, and strategies for early detection and prevention. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, joined by producer Andrea and guest expert Dr. Kimmy Eng, addresses listener questions, myth-busts common misconceptions, and passionately urges listeners—especially those under 50—not to ignore symptoms or delay screenings. The episode also briefly touches on the trendy health topic of vibration plates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rising Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

• Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 in the U.S. as of 2023 ([00:41]).
• About 10% of all cases are diagnosed in those under 50 ([01:45]).
• 60 new cases are diagnosed daily in the U.S., or one every 25 minutes ([02:41]).
• Even people in their 20s and 30s, sometimes with no risk factors or family history, are being diagnosed at advanced stages ([02:09]).

Notable Quote:

“It was shocking to see that a young person, perfectly fit and healthy, no risk factors, no family history, could be diagnosed with stage four disease.”
— Dr. Kimmy Eng, [02:09]

2. Screening Recommendations and Methods

• Screening start age: Anyone at average risk should begin regular screening at 45 ([02:41]).
• Colonoscopy: The "gold standard" for screening. It can both detect cancer early and remove polyps, preventing cancer before it starts ([03:15]).
  • Prep involves drinking fluids to clean out the colon, which people often want to avoid ([03:13]).
• Alternatives: CT colonography and stool-based tests are less invasive but not as preventative since they can't remove polyps ([03:15]).

Notable Quote:

“Colonoscopy is the gold standard because it does two very important things: it can detect cancer at an early stage, and ... remove polyps before they become cancer.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta, [03:15]

3. Warning Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

• Dr. Eng emphasizes knowing the “red flag” symptoms:
  • Blood in stool, especially when mixed into the stool
  • Change in bowel habits (new diarrhea/constipation, thinner stools)
  • Abdominal pain, unexplained fatigue, unintentional weight loss ([04:07])
• Persistent changes (> a few days) should not be ignored, even if embarrassing ([06:58]).
• The culture of not discussing bowel issues delays diagnoses: Many young adults present only after advanced disease has developed ([06:58]).

Notable Quote:

“Most of these cancers arise in the left side of the colon or the rectum ... The most predominant presenting symptom is seeing blood in the stool ... if it’s mixed in the stool, that’s a little more concerning.”
— Dr. Kimmy Eng, [04:07]

“More than 60% of those patients are diagnosed after the disease has already advanced to stage three or four.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta, [05:06]

“Nobody is comfortable talking about their stool... but it’s so important that we try to normalize these conversations.”
— Dr. Kimmy Eng, [06:58]

4. Real-Life Example

• James Van Der Beek, the well-known actor, died from colorectal cancer at age 48 ([00:16]).
• Illustrates how even those without obvious risk factors can be affected, and how self-attribution of symptoms to benign causes (coffee, diet) leads to delays ([05:06]).

5. Action Steps & Takeaways

• If you notice symptoms: Do not ignore them, even if you are young or busy ([05:06]).
• Go to the doctor promptly—earlier detection means better treatment options and survival.
• Normalizing discussion: Both for patients and healthcare professionals, asking and telling about blood in the stool, bowel changes, etc. ([06:58])
• Relevant Resource: For more, listen to Chasing Life’s episode "Why Are So Many Young People Getting Cancer?" ([07:45]).

Notable Quote:

“It’s health, and we’re all human. It’s important to acknowledge when something’s not feeling right, but also to seek help.”
— Dr. Sanjay Gupta, [07:33]

Bonus Topic: Vibration Plates—Fad or the Future of Fitness? ([08:47] onward)

What are Vibration Plates?

• Small platform that vibrates 25–50 times/sec, creating oscillations muscles must react to ([09:21]).
• Claimed benefits: weight loss, bone density, improved flexibility, blood flow, reduced muscle soreness ([09:21]).

What does the evidence say?

• Studies: Some evidence of small benefit to fat loss and bone density, especially as add-on therapy for older adults/postmenopausal women ([09:21]).
• Limitations: Research is limited, effects are small and not a substitute for actual exercise ([11:14]).

Expert Opinion:

“Vibration plates can be useful, but only usually in a narrow lane... the evidence doesn’t really support them as a shortcut to gains in bone density, muscle mass, coordination, or cardiorespiratory fitness.”
— Dr. Kelly Starrett (Physical Therapist), [11:14]

• Advice: Not a replacement for real exercise. Use cautiously, begin with low settings/frequency. Those with certain conditions (heart issues, osteoporosis, epilepsy, migraines, recent injuries) should consult a doctor before use. Watch for side effects (disorientation, nausea, pain) ([12:00]).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “There are 60 new colorectal cancers diagnosed in people under the age of 50 every day in the United States. That’s a diagnosis about every 25 minutes.”
  — Dr. Sanjay Gupta, [02:41]

• “Part of the problem ... is that nobody is comfortable talking about their stool or seeing blood in their stool, such that they don’t maybe even mention this to their primary care doctors.”
  — Dr. Kimmy Eng, [06:58]

• “Thanks for all your questions on this. ... It could save a life.”
  — Andrea (Producer), [07:43]

Timestamps: Key Segments

• 00:16 – Introduction of the Van Der Beek case & listener question about colorectal cancer
• 01:45 – Who is at risk? Stats and context
• 02:09 – Dr. Kimmy Eng describes young patient patterns
• 02:41 – Screening guidelines and urgency
• 04:07 – Dr. Eng on "red flag" symptoms
• 05:06 – Dr. Gupta: concrete list of warning signs, dangers of delay
• 06:58 – Dr. Eng on stigma in discussing bowel symptoms
• 07:33 – Dr. Gupta: why normalizing these conversations is critical
• 08:47 – Shift to question on vibration plates
• 09:21–12:00 – What are vibration plates and do they work? Expert insights from Dr. Kelly Starrett

Conclusion

Chasing Life, led by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, delivers an informative and compelling warning about the increasing threat of colorectal cancer among the young, using eye-opening statistics, expert commentary, and heartfelt advocacy for early action. The episode encourages open discussion of symptoms, timely screenings, and skeptical curiosity toward emerging wellness products like vibration plates. The message: Listen to your body, break the stigma around GI symptoms, and proactively guard your health—no matter your age.