Eric Knopik, 40, Urges Colonoscopies at 45 After Stage 3B Cancer Returned
Updated
Updated · Sanford Health News · May 28
Eric Knopik, 40, Urges Colonoscopies at 45 After Stage 3B Cancer Returned
1 articles · Updated · Sanford Health News · May 28
Stage 3B colon cancer survivor Eric Knopik, 40, is urging earlier colorectal screening after his disease returned in November 2025 and spread to lymph nodes in his neck and back.
A tennis-ball-sized colon tumor was found after fatigue, major bowel changes and blood in his stool; surgery and six months of chemotherapy initially left scans clear.
Sanford Health doctors say the first screening age has shifted from 50 to 45 as colorectal cancer rises in younger adults, and to 40 for people with a first-degree relative.
About 75% of colorectal cancer cases show no symptoms, doctors said, making routine screening critical because early detection can allow treatment with surgery alone.
With cancer striking younger, will routine screening soon be recommended for people still in their 30s?
Are you ignoring common gut symptoms that could be the first warning signs of early-onset cancer?
Is your daily diet increasing your risk for the top cancer killer in people under 50?
Colon Cancer’s Relentless Rise: Recurrence, Early-Onset Crisis, and the Urgent Need for Modern Screening and Advocacy
Overview
Eric Knopik’s experience highlights the persistent nature of colon cancer. After an initial diagnosis of Stage 3B colon cancer and successful treatment, Eric faced a significant setback in November 2025 when his cancer recurred and spread to his lymph nodes. This recurrence is often due to microscopic residual disease—tiny cancer cells that remain after treatment—or the aggressive biology of the tumor itself. Such developments show that even after effective therapy, colon cancer can return and become more challenging to treat, especially when lymph nodes are involved.