The widow of Black Panther's Chadwick Boseman has warned young people about the dangers of underestimating colon cancer, which killed her husband in 2020.
Simone Ledward Boseman lost her beloved Chadwick four years after he was diagnosed with the disease; progressing to Stage 4 in his final months.
Alongside his multiple appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as King T'Challa, the 43-year-old actor was famed for portraying James Brown in Get On Up in 2014 and Levee Green in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom in 2020 - the latter released posthumously and garnering Chadwick an Oscar nomination.
Taylor spoke at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month initiatives last year, emphasising that those aged under 50 are overlooking the likeliness of being diagnosed as cases of colon cancer are projected to rise more than 140 percent in that demographic by 2030.
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MailOnline reports that the disease has even been discovered in people as young as 21, although when the cancer is caught early, survival rates are relatively high.
In the US specifically, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in males below 50 years old, and the second among women, according to the American Cancer Society.
For a yet-to-be-determined reason, these numbers are increasing by as much as two percent every year.
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Taylor told Dana-Farber Cancer Institute attendees: "Colorectal cancer is killing young people across the country, and most are vastly underestimating their risk. I've seen how this disease moves, and I know now how treatable it is when it's detected early.
"My personal advocacy stems from this understanding, and from the disappointment I feel in the lack of awareness in my community. We who have this knowledge have an obligation to inform our fellow man. Spreading awareness will save lives."
Meanwhile, Kimmie Ng, director director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center and associate chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Dana-Farber, went on to add: "The alarming rise in young-onset colorectal cancer underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection, and comprehensive research to understand the underlying causes and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
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"The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer is alarming. We need more awareness, earlier detection, and better understanding of the causes behind this trend."
Praising her fellow speaker's advocacy, Kimmie also noted: "Her openness and commitment to spreading awareness is a powerful tribute to Chadwick's legacy and a vital contribution to the fight against this disease."
At the time of Chadwick's death - he passed away at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones - tributes from across Hollywood poured in.
Nope, Us, and Get Out director Jordan Peele described it as a 'crushing blow'.
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"A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," his family said in the statement.
"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 honour of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."
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.
Topics: Cancer, Chadwick Boseman, Colon cancer, Marvel, Celebrity
Dan Seddon