Obviously many people get critically ill for no reason, totally without apparent casualty.

https://bowelcancernz.org.nz/about-bowel-cancer/early-detect... says about prevention: While no cancer is completely preventable, a healthy diet and regular exercise can lower your risk of bowel cancer. Numerous studies have indicated that a diet too rich in red meat and processed foods can heighten the risk of bowel cancer. However I would guess the percentage amount you can lower your risk by is below 1%. Across all health outcomes, healthy food choices and a daily walk can have a large effect overall.

It seems to me a hell of a lot of our healthcare funding goes towards people that make no preventative effort towards health. I have friends and acquittances with chronic conditions due to alcohol (diabetes, excessive obesity, gout, Korsikov's, accidents), smoking (emphysema, cancers), severely damaged joints (impact sports, car accidents), drugs (hepC, OD, teeth, accidents and worse).

Personally I eat "risky" foods , occasionally I drink excessively, I heartily enjoy high risk sports and activities, and I definitely don't exercise enough. I am not trying to preach: my point is many close their eyes to known risks.

I certainly am not blaming your cancer on your lifestyle. I sincerely hope the best for remission.

> I didn't have insurance, $800k

I'm in New Zealand and our taxes pay for reasonable quality cancer care for all - probably not $800k worth often. The sticker price for the US insurance system is often grossly[1] overstated (for reasons). I've seen our healthcare system mostly work (and I've seen some failures too).

[1] e.g. Hospital billed $100K, insurance negotiated to about $20K. The actual doctor only got $2-3K. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37977337