Colorectal cancer survivor diagnosed at 40 had almost no symptoms NBC 6 South Florida [Video]

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under the age of 50. This year alone, 53,000 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer.

Doctors are trying to figure out why it’s becoming increasingly common: Colorectal cancer rates among younger people are rising by 1% to 2% every year.

It’s a lesser-known and less-funded cancer, which is why one survivor is sharing his story – in hopes that his ordeal can help save someone else.

For Jeff Harris, a diagnosis of stage-three colorectal cancer at just 40 came as a huge surprise.

The husband and father of two was shocked because he showed almost no signs of serious illness – except one concerning symptom that is common among colon cancer patients.

“I felt fine. I had rectal bleeding one day. That was significant and was something… I was like, ‘That’s not good,’” he said.

A colonoscopy showed a large mass on his colon.

“Time kind of stood …