Chadwick Boseman’s Death Is a Tragic Reminder That Colon Cancer Rates Are Rising in Young People
Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died of colon cancer at 43.
The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, and it eventually progressed to stage 4.
Boseman’s death highlights the rise of colon cancer rates in young people.
At just 43 years old, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died of colon cancer in his home with his wife and family by his side, according to a message shared on his Instagram page. He was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, and it eventually progressed to stage 4.
Colorectal cancers, which include colon cancer, are the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS estimates that more than 104,610 new cases of colon cancer and more than 43,000 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman,” the post said. “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”
The post also said that it was “the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
A post shared by Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) on Aug 28, 2020 at 7:11pm PDT
Several people in the comments wrote that the actor was “gone too soon.” Unfortunately, Boseman’s death from colon cancer at a young age isn’t rare.
While the rate at which people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the U.S. is dropping among people who are 65 and older, it’s rising in younger people, per data from the ACS. In fact, an estimated 12% of colorectal cancer cases—about 18,000—will be diagnosed in people under the age of 50.
Why are colon cancer rates and deaths rising in young people?
Research shows that colon cancer rates in adults under 50 have been rising since the mid-80s, the ACS says, and younger age groups have seen the sharpest increases.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that people younger than 55 are 58% more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer than older people. This is “largely due to delayed follow-up of symptoms, sometimes for years, because cancer is typically not on the radar of young adults or their providers,” the authors wrote.
For a seemingly healthy person in their 30s, for example, the early warning signs of the disease—like stomach pain, gas, or unusual bowel movements—may feel a lot more like other GI issues than cancer, leading to delayed testing.
Experts are still trying to figure out which underlying environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors could play a role in the rise of colon cancer in young people. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, a diet high in red or processed meats, smoking, a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer, among other factors can all increase a person’s risk.
It’s also important to note there are racial disparities. African Americans have one of the worst colon cancer survival rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S., per a March 2020 report from the ACS. “Colorectal cancer rates are about 20% higher in Blacks than non-Hispanic whites, but death rates are almost 40% higher in Blacks,” the report states. “Among Alaska Natives, death rates are about double those in Blacks.”
One 2016 review of research suggests that the increased likelihood of discovering an advanced colorectal tumor in African Americans could be due to lower screening rates in minorities, the disease presenting itself at a later, harder-to-treat stage, or inadequate access to health care.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Spotting the symptoms of colon cancer early on is crucial. In fact, the colon cancer survival rate is about 90% if caught in the early stages, when the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. These are the signs to note:
A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that is not relieved by doing so
Rectal bleeding
Dark stools, or blood in the stool
Cramping or stomach pain
Weakness and fatigue
Unintended weight loss
The ACS currently recommends that people of average risk start screening at age 45, while people with a family history of the disease or other risk factors should talk to their doctor about getting screened earlier.
“Cancer can be prevented during screening colonoscopies where precancerous polyps can be removed before they have a chance to progress to cancer,” David Liska, M.D., a colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, previously told Prevention.com.
So if you notice any of the signs above, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor and be persistent about testing if you suspect something is wrong—it could save your life.
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