A 31-year-old father of three is urging others to listen closely to their bodies after months of mild, easy-to-ignore symptoms ultimately revealed a shocking diagnosis: colon cancer.

In August 2024, UK software developer Chris Kirt began experiencing stomach cramps and changes in his bowel habits. Like many young adults, he brushed off the early signs as routine digestive discomfort. But one symptom stood out — and it was the one he says ultimately saved his life.

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A Red Flag Too Serious to Ignore

“The biggest red flag for me was passing blood with zero pain,” Chris shared with his 12,300 TikTok followers.
“That scared me more than anything. I knew in my heart something wasn’t right.”

While many assume bleeding must be accompanied by pain, bowel cancer can present with painless rectal bleeding. The NHS warns that dark red or black blood in the stool, especially without discomfort, can be an early indicator of malignancy.

Alongside the bleeding, Chris also experienced:

✅ stomach cramps
✅ constipation
✅ episodes of urgent bowel movements

Still, it was the unexplained, painless bleeding that finally made him seek medical help.

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A Silent Tumor Revealed

Facing a long wait for testing, Chris opted to pay for a private colonoscopy. That decision proved life-changing.

“I was sedated but aware. I remember looking at the screen and seeing a large, snotty mass on the side of my colon,” he said.
“The room went silent. I asked, ‘What is that?’ I knew right away it was cancer.”

Doctors discovered a sizable tumor. Chris underwent surgery to remove one-third of his colon, and is now in remission.

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Why Young Adults Should Pay Attention

Colon cancer has been rising in younger populations, prompting researchers to investigate contributing factors such as:

• increased obesity rates
• sedentary lifestyles
• dietary shifts toward processed foods
• exposure to environmental toxins
• microplastics and certain bacteria in the food chain

Yet Chris — like many younger patients — didn’t match typical risk profiles.

“Cancer doesn’t always come with a clear warning,” he said.
“Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, get it checked.”

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Using His Story to Save Others

Now in recovery, Chris is using social media to advocate for early screening and symptom awareness — especially among young adults who often dismiss early signs.

His message is simple but powerful:

“Speak up for your health. Don’t ignore changes in your body. You know yourself better than anyone.”