“Recently, one of the hottest topics in the tech and medical circles is an in-depth report from “The Washington Post.” This article is undoubtedly a loud alarm for many “young people” aged 20 to 40 who are busy with their careers and staying up late to finish projects. In the past, we always thought colorectal cancer was an “elderly person’s” privilege, but now “it’s a big deal”; data shows that colorectal cancer is showing a significant trend of becoming younger.According to reports, many people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are putting themselves at risk of colorectal cancer due to inadvertent lifestyle habits. Below, we have organized a “self-rescue guide” with 5 things you can start changing now, combined with a technological perspective to see how we can use modern tools to protect intestinal health.
1. Reject “Ultra-Processed Foods”: Don’t let your intestines become a garbage dump
Young people today have an extremely high proportion of eating out; with a few taps on a delivery platform, burgers, fried chicken, and processed meats (such as bacon and sausages) are available on call. The report points out that these “ultra-processed foods” are closely related to intestinal inflammation and cancer risks. Although these foods are “fragrant and super addictive,” long-term consumption will cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora.
- Tech Observation: There are many diet tracking apps on the market (such as MyFitnessPal or FatSecret developed in Taiwan) that can analyze nutritional components through barcode scanning. It is recommended that everyone use technology to help see whether what they eat every day is nutrition or “additives.”
2. Eat more “grass”: Fiber is your intestinal scavenger
Modern diets are too refined, and “fiber” intake is seriously insufficient. Fiber not only helps with smooth bowel movements but is also the “rations” for intestinal probiotics. If your intestinal flora is not doing well, your immune system will also “lose its luster.”
- Practical Suggestion: Reach the “5, 7, or 9 servings of fruits and vegetables” standard every day. Stop having a “Zen-style” diet; eat more whole grains and whole vegetables. This is the “top priority” for maintaining health.
3. Say goodbye to “Couch Potato”: Sedentary behavior is a hidden health killer
For software engineers or office white-collar workers, sitting for 8 hours is commonplace. However, research shows that not exercising for long periods increases the risk of obesity, which in turn pushes up the probability of colorectal cancer. Even if you go to the gym for an hour after work every day, it’s hard to offset the damage caused by sitting all day.
- Tech Observation: The “stand reminder” feature on wearable devices (such as Apple Watch or Garmin) is really not just there to annoy you. Use these devices to set periodic reminders to get up and move for 5 minutes every hour; don’t let your metabolism get “stuck.”
4. Moderate drinking and quit smoking: Alcohol is not a remedy for sorrows, it’s a poison
Many people feel that having a drink after work is “very stress-relieving,” but alcohol and nicotine are recognized carcinogens. Especially the social drinking behavior of the younger population often invisibly increases the burden on the liver and intestines.
- Key Point: The so-called “drinking in moderation is pleasant” does not actually hold up from a cancer prevention perspective. Reducing the frequency of intake is the only way to ensure your health doesn’t “go off track.”
5. Be alert to “Body Signals”: Early detection, early treatment
Even if many young people have bloody stools, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, they often think, “I’m still young, it should be fine, right?” or “It’s just hemorrhoids!” This “stubborn” mentality often delays the golden treatment period. The report emphasizes that monitoring family history and personal symptoms is crucial.
- Tech Empowerment: Nowadays, AI medical image recognition technology is becoming more advanced, and AI-assisted colonoscopy can significantly improve the detection rate of polyps. If you have a family history, please be sure to undergo regular screening; don’t wait until “something big happens” to regret it.
Conclusion: Prevention is better than cure, health is the ultimate truth
This report from “The Washington Post” shows us that colorectal cancer prevention is no longer something to consider only after the age of 50. In today’s era of rapidly changing technology, we have many tools to monitor health, but the “key of keys” still lies in personal willpower.Stop saying things like “I wouldn’t be that unlucky.” The body is honest; how you treat it is how it will reward you. Starting today, drink one less hand-shaken beverage, walk a few more steps, and go to bed earlier—this is the most cost-effective “health investment.” Let’s use more technological and rational ways to guard our own “intestinal” peace and stability!”
