Colon cancer has cast a long and painful shadow over Craig Melvin’s family, a reality that continues to shape both their private lives and public advocacy. The most devastating blow came in December when Craig’s beloved older brother, Lawrence Meadows, passed away at just 43 years old. He had spent the final four years of his life courageously battling the disease after doctors discovered a baseball-sized tumor in his abdomen — only to find that the cancer had already metastasized. Despite the grim prognosis, Lawrence remained deeply committed to raising awareness, using his voice and experience to educate others about the importance of early detection and regular screenings. “He spent a fair amount of time over the past few years raising awareness about the disease,” Craig shared in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. “We’ll be keeping up that fight.”

Craig has since taken that mission to heart, becoming an outspoken advocate for men’s health on TODAY and encouraging viewers — particularly men — to take preventative care seriously. In a meaningful next step, he recently joined the board of directors for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, determined to turn personal loss into lasting change. The Melvin family’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Craig’s younger brother, Ryan Melvin, now 35, is also carrying the torch. He bravely invited TODAY cameras to follow him as he underwent his first colonoscopy this week — a crucial screening he had delayed for three years, despite medical advice. Together, the Melvins are channeling their grief into action, working to ensure others don’t face the same heartbreak they have endured.

He also opened up about taking charge of his health — including losing 60 pounds, exercising and improving his diet — after watching what Lawrence went through.

“Seeing his battle and seeing him fight, that was one of the points where it kind of just woke something up inside of me,” Ryan told Craig, who interviewed him for a brother-to-brother conversation.

“I want to be here for my kids… if (the doctor) does find something, that’s what I’m getting it for.”

Early detection is key, but Ryan admitted he kept pushing off scheduling the colonoscopy, even after a concerning incident in 2017. He felt pain in his side and saw blood droplets in his stool. It turned out to be diverticulitis, an inflammation or infection that can form in the intestines.

Finally undergoing the medical test — during which doctors look for potentially cancerous polyps and other abnormalities in the intestines — would be the next step in taking care of his body, Ryan said.

He wanted the peace of mind of knowing the results, but like many people was a bit anxious ahead of the appointment.

“Any time you have an outpatient procedure or anything like that where something’s going up inside of you… it’ll make you a little nervous,” he said.

Craig reminded him he’d be sedated: “You start counting backwards and then the next thing you know, that’s it. It’s over,” he said recalling his own colonoscopy.

Less than 25 minutes after Ryan’s procedure began this week, it was over. He received good news soon after: The results were normal, with doctors not finding any polyps. The whole family was relieved.

“We need to do better about getting ourselves screened so we can live longer and have healthier, more prosperous lives,” Ryan said.

Lifestyle risk factors for colon cancer include lack of exercise, a diet low in fiber and high in fat, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and being overweight. Both Melvin brothers recalled their disbelief when Lawrence was diagnosed at 39. He was athletic and never drank or smoked — a healthier man than both of them, they noted.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in American men and women combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It disproportionately affects the Black community, with Black people about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups, the American Cancer Society noted. “This disease is ravaging the Black community,” said Dr. Durado Brooks, the chief medical officer of screening at Exact Sciences.

More adults in their 20s and 30s are also being diagnosed, perhaps because of the obesity epidemic.

Doctors say it can be awkward for patients to discuss the symptoms, which include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and unexplained weight loss.

The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at 45, if you’re at average risk for developing colon cancer; earlier, if you have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

The Melvin brothers hoped everyone would be more vigilant about their health. Men especially often don’t discuss their symptoms and concerns, they said.

“We’ll talk about the Cowboys, but we won’t talk about our colons,” Craig noted. “This is going to change that.”

“I’m excited to do some good and hopefully get some folks out there to get a colonoscopy, get checked, get a physical,” Ryan added.