Paying Attention Can Save Your Life...Especially for women under 50

Published March 23, 2026

Lately we have all been talking or hearing about mental health, wellness and nutrition, but one very important indicator of how well our body is functioning often gets ignored, or considered too embarrassing to discuss, that indicator is: Your Poop.  Your poop is not glamorous, yet very informative. Minor changes in bowel habits are among the earliest warning signs of serious bowel conditions, including Colorectal Cancer; a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. 

The Rising Risk In Women Under 50

According to The American Cancer Society, in 2026, there will be approximately 109,000 new cases of Colorectal Cancer. There is an increase in younger people, 1 in 5 people diagnosed are under 55 years old. Colorectal cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women under 50 years old. 

Colorectal cancer, for years was considered a type of cancer only the older adults get, that narrative is changing. More women, 20 to 50 years old are being diagnosed and the diagnosis often happens when it's in the later stages. Why is that? 

• Because symptoms are often misattributed to different ailments, such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Hormonal issues

• Changes in diet or stress

• Changes in the body from postpartum to perimenopause

• Women are being told that they are too young or that their concerns aren't valid

RISK FACTORS

• Family history

• Processed/High Fatty foods

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Alcohol and Smoking

• Obesity

• Medical conditions such as Crohn's Disease

HEALTHY POOP

The digestive system uses patterns to communicate with us, it uses color, shape, frequency or even smell to give us clues about what is happening with our health. Healthy Poop is normally:

• Medium to dark brown 

• Soft and formed

• Passed without pain or having to strain

• Frequency of 3 times per day to 3 times per week (know your pattern)

SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

Stress, diet or hormonal conditions might prevent us from truly paying attention to our bodies, therefore leading to us ignoring crucial signs. The reality is that we should investigate any persistent changes in our bodies.

• Change in bowel habits, either Constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or two weeks 

• Rectal Bleeding (bright red or dark/black)

• Pain, Anorexia and Weight loss are characteristics in advance cancer

• A palpable abdominal or rectal mass may be present 

• Anemia due to occult bleeding (blood loss not visible to the naked eye)

• Unusual fatigue or weakness

• A feeling of incomplete emptying 

• A sudden persistent change in smell, a foul, sweet pungent odor

BREAKING THE SILENCE

We don't talk about bowel habits openly, we downplay the symptoms and we hesitate to advocate for testing like stool screening or colonoscopies. Early stage colorectal cancer is treatable. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO

• Pay attention to your body, know your normal

• Track changes that last more than a week or two

• Advocate for yourself if something doesn't feel right 

• Don't let age dismiss your concerns

• Get screening earlier if you have symptoms and family history 

Your poop is not just waste, it is information, information that can save your life. 

Never ignore what your body is telling you and remember AWARENESS IS ESSENTIAL