The House of Pod Rising Tide of Colon Cancer in Young People
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Feb 3, 2026 Dr. Aasma Shaukat, GI outcomes researcher focused on colorectal screening and disparities, and Dr. TR Levin, colorectal surgeon and screening expert, discuss the rising rates of colon cancer in younger people. They explore global hotspots, possible infectious and metabolic causes, microbiome links, diet and childhood exposures, screening age debates, symptom awareness, and practical prevention steps.
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Remembering Alex Preddy
- Aasma Shaukat hired Alex Preddy as a research assistant and later recommended him to nursing school.
- He returned to work at the Minneapolis VA and became an ICU nurse before his tragic death.
Global Pattern Points To Shared Causes
- Global increases suggest shared environmental or lifestyle factors beyond the U.S.
- TR Levin notes possible bacterial contributors (E. coli strains) linked to mutation signatures.
Colonoscopy Drove Overall Decline
- Widespread adoption of colonoscopy since the 1980s caused large declines in overall colorectal cancer.
- Removing precancerous polyps before cancer develops explains much of that decrease.
