Chadwick Boseman's death saw doctor share colon cancer warning sign you can't ignore
The tragic death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020 prompted a doctor to detail one red flag symptom of colon cancer you shouldn’t ignore, and it's just as important to this day.
The Black Panther star died on August 28, 2020 after filming the epic Marvel films, with reports stating he had worked on set throughout his treatment.
At the age of just 43, his death came as a shock to many fans across the world, particularly because he kept his cancer diagnosis private until the end.
Despite colon cancer being known to the over 45s group, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, younger people have been seen to be diagnosed at an increased rate.
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However, with symptoms of the cancer easily missed, the key to colon cancer is to catch it early, and for that you need to understand the symptoms to look out for.
The warning sign you should not ignore
Dr. Jen Caudle took to YouTube shortly after Boseman's death and pointed out that the very first sign 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 doctor's 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.
Other symptoms of colon cancer
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:
- A change in bowel habits.
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don't go away.
- Weight loss and you don't know why.
Following Boseman's death, his family released a statement which described him as a 'true fighter'.
"Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much," they said.
"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."
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, Health
Callum Jones