A 31-year-old UK father of three is urging others to pay attention to subtle signs of colon cancer after ignoring symptoms for months. Chris Kirt, a software developer, first noticed stomach cramps and changes in his bowel habits in August 2024. He brushed off the symptoms—until one alarming sign made him seek help.

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

While many associate blood in stool with painful conditions, the NHS warns that dark red or black blood—especially without pain—can signal bowel cancer.

Chris also experienced cramps, constipation, and urgent bowel movements. Still, it was the painless bleeding that convinced him to act.

Faced with a long NHS waitlist, he paid for a private colonoscopy. During the exam, doctors discovered a large tumor in his colon. “I was sedated but aware. I looked at the screen and saw a large, snotty mass. The room went silent,” he said.

Soon after, Chris underwent surgery to remove a third of his colon. Now in remission, he uses social media to raise awareness about early detection and the importance of trusting your instincts.

Researchers link the rise in young adult colon cancer to factors like obesity, diet changes, microplastics, and possible bacterial exposure in the food chain. However, Chris doesn’t fit the typical risk profile.

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

Chris now encourages young people to advocate for their health and prioritize regular checkups—even if symptoms seem minor. His story is a powerful reminder that early action can save lives.