No one would suspect that simple, seemingly harmless daily habits could turn into silent “killers,” quietly eroding health and leading to colorectal cancer. For Mr. Zhang and Mrs. Sun, a middle-aged couple living in Hangzhou, China, this truth hit closer to home than ever. Their peaceful life revolved around modest home-cooked meals and a deeply ingrained habit of frugality.

That year, both entered their 60s and decided to go for a routine health check-up—not because of any alarming symptoms, but just for peace of mind. However, a gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a shocking truth they never anticipated: both husband and wife were diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the same time.

“My heart sank when I heard the news. I was worried for myself, but even more for him. I couldn’t understand where we went wrong,” Mrs. Sun recalled, her eyes filled with sorrow. Mr. Zhang held her hand tightly and said in a hoarse voice, “In our whole life, we’ve never been apart—even this illness came for us both.”

Their doctor explained, “In recent years, we’ve seen more cases where both spouses are diagnosed with cancer. The older they are, the higher the incidence. The simultaneous appearance of tumors in husband and wife—who share no genetic link—is often the result of long-term accumulation of environmental exposure and shared lifestyle habits.”

It turned out the couple had a habit of being extremely thrifty with food. Leftovers were often eaten for up to three days, sometimes reheated and mixed with newly cooked dishes. This common yet misguided habit gave colorectal cancer the opportunity to strike.

Fortunately, thanks to early detection, both underwent surgery in time to remove the tumors. Still, anxiety lingered as doctors warned that close monitoring would be essential to prevent recurrence.

The doctor explained that consuming improperly stored or prepared food—especially leftovers kept too long—can generate harmful substances that damage cells and increase cancer risk. Mr. Zhang and Mrs. Sun’s story is not just a wake-up call, but a costly lesson in the importance of changing even the smallest habits to protect our health.

How to Keep Colorectal Cancer at Bay

The doctor used this case to raise awareness and point out common warning signs of colorectal cancer:

• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation)

• Blood in stool or black-colored stool

• Ongoing abdominal pain or discomfort

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue, anemia

If these symptoms appear—especially if they are severe or long-lasting—medical consultation is crucial. However, the doctor emphasized: “Prevention is always better than cure.”

Here are four key lifestyle changes to help prevent colorectal cancer:

1. Improve daily habits:
   Limit alcohol, avoid staying up late, and don’t lead a sedentary life. Exercise regularly, build healthy bowel habits, and stay active after prolonged sitting.

2. Avoid highly processed foods and burnt/greasy meals:
   Stay away from processed meats, charred grilled or fried foods. Limit pickled vegetables and leftovers, which often contain high nitrite levels.

3. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid overeating:
   Obesity increases cancer risk. Overeating—especially at night—overloads the digestive system and contributes to toxin buildup.

4. Get regular health check-ups:
   Routine colorectal cancer screening is key to early detection. People over 45 or with a family history should be screened regularly. Also, promptly treat any rectal or anal conditions like hemorrhoids or fissures.

In essence, even the most routine behaviors can become health risks if left unchecked. Recognizing and adjusting these habits early can make a life-saving difference.