Maria Kang, an internet personality known as the "No Excuses Mom" for her focus on fitness and healthy living, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in November 2023. The diagnosis came as a shock to Kang, 46, who believed her consistent healthy eating and exercise habits would protect her from serious illness.

"It was definitely a complete shock — because I was the healthiest person I knew," Kang told Fox News Digital. "I wanted to blame the food, but I didn't eat bad food. I filtered my water. There was no excuse why I had this cancer."

Kang, who gained fame in 2013 after a photo of her physique with her three young sons went viral, stated that she had experienced chronic digestive problems, including constipation and bloating, since adolescence. She had grown accustomed to these issues, considering them a part of life.

"One thing that I realized is that we normalize problems, and we think it's OK, but it’s not OK," she said. "Digestion should be like breathing. It should be like inhaling and exhaling. It should be simple. But it wasn't simple."

After a colonoscopy revealed a tumor, Kang initially pursued holistic treatments for 12 weeks, but the tumor did not shrink. She then began chemotherapy, a combination of drugs known as FOLFOX, in 2024. Following one treatment, a scan indicated the tumor had shrunk substantially, leading her to opt for surgery. Kang underwent extensive surgery to remove a significant portion of her colon, reproductive organs, and appendix. She temporarily required a colostomy and later an ileostomy.

While her MRIs currently show no suspicious mass detected and she undergoes regular screenings, doctors continue surveillance due to her history. Kang has not been formally declared cancer-free.

Alarming Trends in Colorectal Cancer

Kang's experience comes amid rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. The American Cancer Society estimates that 158,850 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, with approximately 55,230 deaths expected this year. While overall incidence has declined, largely due to increased screening in older adults, rates among those under 50 have increased by 2.9% annually between 2013 and 2022.

The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend average-risk individuals begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45. However, experts advise that anyone experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms, regardless of age, should consult a healthcare provider.

Redefined Wellness

Kang's battle with cancer has prompted a reevaluation of her understanding of health. "It was a really big, humbling look in the mirror when you say to yourself, 'I look healthy, but I'm not healthy,'" she said. "When someone is at a normal range in their weight, they could have cancer. They could have autoimmune issues."

Her approach to fitness and nutrition has also evolved. She now prioritizes activities she enjoys, such as walking and dancing, and strength-trains for enjoyment rather than strict regimen. Kang's dietary philosophy has shifted from labeling foods as strictly "good" or "bad" to embracing balance, incorporating fruits and vegetables while remaining open to other foods.

"Cancer makes everything extremely clear — what's important, what is not important, what you should eat, what you shouldn't eat," Kang stated. "If you really listen to yourself, it becomes crystal clear when you have no energy."

Kang emphasizes that maintaining healthy habits does not guarantee immunity from cancer. "It could happen to anybody — that was the most humbling realization," she said. "You may think you're young and healthy and this won't happen to you, but this world is so unpredictable right now. Anything can happen to anybody."

She advises that true health is not solely about appearance but also about how one feels. The American Cancer Society recommends seeking medical evaluation for persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms, irrespective of age.