Colorectal cancer is silently claiming lives, even among the young and seemingly healthy—and it’s almost entirely preventable. But here’s where it gets controversial: Why aren’t more people talking about it? A Newfoundland cancer survivor, Stephanie Budgell, is determined to change that. Diagnosed at just 35 years old, Budgell is now five years cancer-free and using her voice to raise awareness after the recent deaths of two celebrities—actor James Van Der Beek (48) and Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara—both of whom battled colorectal cancer. And this is the part most people miss: Colorectal cancer rates are skyrocketing among young adults, with recent studies predicting cases will double every 15 years in countries like Canada, the U.S., Australia, and the U.K.
Budgell’s story is a stark reminder of how easily symptoms can be overlooked. After giving birth to her second child, she attributed her discomfort to postpartum stress and “tummy trouble.” It wasn’t until her diagnosis that she realized the gravity of her situation. “It’s just wild,” she told CBC Radio’s Newfoundland Morning. “I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest.” According to the Cancer Society of Canada, colorectal cancer was the fourth most diagnosed cancer in 2025 and the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Yet, with early detection and lifestyle changes, it’s a disease that could be nearly eradicated.
Here’s the bold question: If this cancer is so preventable, why are screening guidelines still lagging behind? Some countries, like the U.S. and Australia, have lowered the screening age to 45, but Budgell doubts Newfoundland and Labrador will follow suit anytime soon. Meanwhile, she’s urging young people to recognize symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, abdominal lumps, and fatigue—warning signs that are often dismissed as minor health issues.
The connection between lifestyle and colorectal cancer is also raising eyebrows. Research links ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of early-onset cases, sparking debates about dietary habits and public health policies. Budgell’s message is clear: “A cancer that is almost 100% preventable is still taking lives at 48. It’s a little bit sad for sure.”
So, here’s where we turn to you: Do you think more should be done to raise awareness and lower screening ages? Are we doing enough to combat this preventable disease? Let’s start the conversation—because lives depend on it.
