Thepassing of Black Panther star Chadwick Bosemandue to colon cancer is tragic.
He is also not alone.
What is colorectal cancer?
Where the cancer begins will decide whether it will be called colon or rectal cancer.
Not all types of polyps will become cancer, but some types can change over time and become cancerous.
When it comes to polyps, the key is to find them and to find them early.
Finding polyps before they become bigger decreases the risk of them developing into colon cancer, Alastie says.
Who is at risk?
In the past, colon cancer has targeted older patients, Alastie says.
The work has paid off.
That said, the numbers are trending in the wrong direction when it comes to patients under 50.
The full landscape of this increase and age shift is not fully known, but experts are seeing trends.
We believe diet plays a role, Alastie notes.
What should wenotdo?
If you are experiencing symptoms, do not ignore them.
Do not avoid preventive healthcare screenings or tests.
Ask your doctor which options are best for you.
We recommend diet changes to people in general, Alastie says.
Alastie also recommends getting a sense of the full scope of your family medical history.
Genetics can play a role in colon cancer, he notes.
Research indicates that when diagnosed early, colon cancer survival rates are usually very good.
Early diagnosis and treatment has been shown to produce better outcomes and much higher patient survival rates.
Youth does not mean absolution.
If you feel something, say something.
If you are 45 or above, schedule your regular screening.
If you are outside the age of recommended screening, do not live in fear, but be aware.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor.
Trust your gut, friends.
It may just stash your ass.
