The passing of actor Chadwick Boseman — renowned for his role as the Black Panther — from colon cancer at the age of 43 has brought heightened awareness to the risk of this disease among individuals under 50.
There’s a common misconception that colorectal cancer primarily affects older adults. While rates have decreased among those over 50, they’ve surged for those under 50. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that in 2019, 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses were in individuals under 55 (double since 1995).
Risk Factor:
- Overweight / Sedentary / Processed foods
- Smoking / Alcohol
- Chemical exposure
- Genetics (10-20% of the cases)
- Chronic inflammation (Crohn’s disease, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome)
Symptoms:
- Rectal bleeding
- Dark/Bloody stool
- Changes in stool appearance (narrow or pellet-shaped)
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
Individuals aged 45+ should undergo annual colonoscopies, to screen for abnormalities like polyps. This proactive measure has contributed to the decline in colorectal cancer incidence among those over 50.
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