By Dr. Afriyie Randle
WKTV Community Contributor
Just how deadly colorectal cancer can be came to light with the death of actor Chad Bostwick, best known for the movie “The Black Panther.” After a four year battle, Bostwick died on Aug. 28, 2020.
Per the Centers for Disease Control, colorectal cancer, also known as color cancer, bowel cancer, and rectal cancer, affects both women and men and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Every year, approximately 140,000 people in the U.S. get colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 people die from it.
The American Cancer Society predicts that 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women with develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
Regular screenings for cancer can improve or save your life. These screenings began at age 50 are essential for preventing colorectal cancer. If you are 50-75, get screened regularly.
Symptoms include various gastrointestinal issues that include: diarrhea, constipation, right red blood during bowel movements, black stool, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating and feeling that your bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement. You may have unexplained weight loss along with fatigue or tiredness. Men may experience unexplained iron deficiency while women may experience unexplained iron deficiency after menopause. A lump in the abdomen or back may be felt on exam by a medical provider.
Please keep in mind that most of these symptoms may also be indicative of other illnesses so please see your primary care provider if symptoms are present for longer than four weeks.
