The sudden death of actor Chadwick Boseman has shined a new light on colorectal cancer that health advocates at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hope will spur greater awareness of the disease, as well as cancer disparities.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States. Black people in the United States also have the highest rates of colorectal cancer of any racial or ethnic group, according to the American Cancer Society.
Boseman, who earned widespread fame in his lead role in the movie “Black Panther,” died Friday, Aug. 28, after a silent fight against colorectal cancer. In addition to his groundbreaking role as the fictional superhero, Black Panther, Boseman also portrayed several real-life historical figures on screen, such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Thurgood Marshall.
“What happened with Chadwick Boseman is very tragic, but it is unfortunately a story we see here at UAB,” said Daniel I. Chu, M.D., a scientist at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB and an associate professor in the UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery.
While overall colorectal cancer deaths are declining in the United States, Chu says there is a disturbing uptick in patients’ getting the disease earlier in life, including Boseman, who was 43.
Although the American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk of colorectal cancer get regular screenings beginning at age 45, Chu says both patients and health care providers must be aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer and consider the possibility of younger individuals’ developing the disease as well.
“Unfortunately, what’s coming to the forefront of Chadwick Boseman’s death is that it is happening to younger people, a group for which there are no good screening recommendations,” Chu said. “We are seeing the younger group have higher incidence of colorectal cancer, and that is scary. If anyone has symptoms, particularly rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, or if there is any question mark in their health that is unusual, then that person should get evaluated. The system of medical providers also needs to have a higher index of suspicion and consider the words ‘colorectal cancer’ as a suspect.”
Chu stresses that colorectal cancer is preventable and can be successfully treated if found early. Health advocates urge patients to get regular check-ups with a doctor and to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to reduce cancer risks.
Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps, which are growths on the inner surface of the colon. While most polyps do not become cancer, almost all colorectal cancers start as polyps. People with colon cancer may have no obvious symptoms, which is why most doctors recommend regular colonoscopies starting at age 45, but earlier screenings are recommended for people with a family history of the disease.
“The unexpected death of this cinematic hero for millions of fans will hopefully help save others who previously had not heard of colorectal cancer or ways to detect and treat it,” said Monica Baskin, Ph.D., a professor in the UAB Division of Preventive Medicine and the associate director for the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement.
Baskin’s experience with colorectal cancer awareness is deeply personal. Baskin was a senior in high school when she lost her father to colon cancer at age 51.
While higher education was a strong value in her household, Baskin recalls that her father never got to attend any of her graduations — from high school, college or graduate school. His death awakened in Baskin a greater concern about cancer and led her to pursue health disparities research, particularly among African Americans.
Chu also notes that colorectal cancer incidence is higher among African Americans.
“I know all too well the pain that cancer can bring to a family,” Baskin said. “It is my sincere desire that the popularity of Chadwick Boseman and the sadness over his death make more people, particularly Black men and women who are at higher risk, aware of colorectal cancer and make them take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families.”
