Summary

Chadwick Boseman's untimely death from colon cancer serves as a poignant reminder to be aware of its symptoms and risk factors, emphasizing the importance of early detection and preventive measures.

Abstract

The tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the acclaimed actor known for his role in "Black Panther," at the age of 43 from colon cancer, has brought attention to the signs and preventive steps associated with this disease. Colon cancer, which affects the large intestine, is more common in older adults but can affect anyone. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and persistent abdominal discomfort. While the exact cause of colon cancer is unknown, it is believed to start in the innermost layer of the colon and can spread to other parts of the body. Risk factors include age, race, family history, a diet low in fiber and high in fat, obesity, diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, previous radiation therapy, and a sedentary lifestyle. Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent colon cancer, maintaining a healthy diet, weight management, and possibly taking low-dose aspirin can reduce one's risk. The article underscores the importance of learning from such tragic events to promote better health practices.

Opinions

The author suggests that while we cannot prevent colon cancer entirely, we can take proactive steps to reduce our risk.
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is implied to be beneficial for overall health, potentially contributing to a lower risk of colon cancer.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are seen as crucial factors in preventing colon cancer.
The use of low-dose aspirin is presented as a potential method to help reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, though it should be noted that this is not a definitive prevention strategy.
The article conveys a sense of urgency for individuals to be aware of colon cancer symptoms and to seek professional medical advice if any symptoms are experienced.
It is implied that certain demographics, such as African Americans and those with a family history of colon cancer, should be particularly vigilant about screening and prevention measures.
The author emphasizes that while the death of Chadwick Boseman is a tragedy, it can serve as a catalyst for increased awareness and proactive health measures among the public.

Three Things Chadwick Boseman’s Death can Teach Us About Colon Cancer

Signs and steps you can take to prevent getting this disease

The star of the Marvel movie ‘Black Panther’, Chadwick Boseman, died at the age of 43 to colon cancer. Just as his acting career was starting to take off, he left this world too early. Not to disregard his death, but take time to understand some colon cancer symptoms you should be aware of so you can get tested professionally.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a cancer that begins in the large intestine. The colon is the final part of a person’s digestive tract. This cancer can affect anyone but usually affects older adults.

Signs of colon cancer

These are some warning signs you should be aware of. If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment to see a doctor and seek their advice.

Unexplained weight loss

Weakness of fatigue

A feeling your bowel doesn’t empty completely

Rectal bleeding or bleeding in your stool

A persistent change in your bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea

Persistent abdominal discomfort including gas, cramps, and pain

What causes colon cancer?

There isn’t a clear explanation of what causes colon cancer. This cancer begins when the cells form a wall around the colon or rectum. There are several layers around the rectum. Colon cancer starts to grow in the innermost layer and can grow to the outer layers.

As the cancer cells are in the walls, they can grow in the blood vessels and lymph vessels. From there they can grow to other parts of the body.

Facts about colon cancer

Age

The older you are, the greater your chance of getting colon cancer. Younger people are starting to get colon cancer but there isn’t a clear reason why.

Race

African Americans have a greater chance of getting colon cancer than other races. In African Americans, colon cancer can be aggressive or advanced.

Family history

Members of your family who may have colon cancer increase the chance of having this cancer.

Low fiber, high fat diet

Colon cancer is associated with the typical Western diet. A diet of high meat and processed foods can lead to colon cancer.

Obesity

Obese males who are diagnosed with colon cancer may be more likely to have an advanced case of this disease.

Diabetes

People with insulin resistance or diabetes have a greater chance of getting colon cancer.

Smoking

People who smoke have a greater chance of getting colon cancer.

Alcohol

People who drink heavily have a greater chance of getting colon cancer.

Radiation therapy for cancer

People who have radiation treatment around their abdomen have a chance of getting colon cancer.

Sedentary lifestyle

People who are not active have a greater chance of getting colon cancer.

How to prevent getting colon cancer

There is no way to prevent getting colon cancer but there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting this disease. To reduce getting colon cancer, these are some recommendations.

Eat healthily

Have a diet of eating healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables have a good source of vitamins that help your body. There isn’t any evidence that eating healthy will prevent getting colon cancer but this will help your health overall.

Maintain a healthy weight

Exercising helps to maintain your weight. Diet also has a key part as well. If you need to lose weight, exercise more, and eat healthier while reducing your food intake.

Aspirin

Taking aspirin may help reduce the chance of getting colon cancer. A low dose of aspirin can help prevent getting this disease.

Summary

It is sad to see a great actor, Chadwick Boseman, die at such an early age. There is a reason when tragic events happen and it is best to identify what you can learn from these events.

Eating healthy and exercising has a great effect on you and will benefit you in many ways other than just preventing colon cancer.

There are some things in life we can control. Getting started on the change is the hardest part. Once started, it will not be easy, but you have to look at where you want to be to enjoy life.

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Tom Handy is a top Writing, Finance, Investment, and Bitcoin writer on Medium, and the father of two kids. He retired from the Army and sits on several non-profit boards. You can find him on Twitter @tomhandy1.