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Topics: Cancer, Chadwick Boseman, Colon cancer, Health, Community
Callum Jones
Topics: Cancer, Chadwick Boseman, Colon cancer, Health, Community
A doctor has detailed one symptom of colon cancer you should not ignore following the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman from the disease in 2020.
The Black Panther star died aged 43, shocking and devastating his fans across the world after he kept his cancer diagnosis private.
"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," the actor's family said in a statement at the time.
"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. It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
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While there is a perception that cancer only really impacts the older generation, Boseman's and many other stories prove that is certainly not the case.
The key for diseases such as colon cancer is to catch it early, and for that you need to understand the symptoms to look out for.
Dr. Jen Caudle took to YouTube shortly after Boseman's death and pointed out that the very first signs of colon cancer is a 'change in bowel habits'.
"That’s when you have a certain type of bowel movement that [happens] every day, and now all of a sudden you’re constipated… or have diarrhoea," the health expert said.
When bowel habits are 'not typical for you' that is when you should consider booking a doctors appointment.
On top of that, the size and shape of your stool could also be an indication something might not be quite right.
"Size and shapes matter when we talk about stools. If your stools become more narrow, or skinny, or a different shape that’s something to take note of as well, and you’ve got to talk to a doctor if that occurs," Dr Caudle added.
Colon cancer is a particular concern in the US, with an estimated 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer being diagnosed in the States in 2024, and approximately 53,000 people dying from the disease.
It's the third most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America.
Symptoms of colon cancer include:
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.