It's Been A Year Since Chadwick Boseman Died. Let's Discuss Colon Cancer

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Greg Leakes, Atlanta businessman and husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta’s most notable cast member Nene Leakes passed away Sept. 1, after a three-year fight against colon cancer.

—And it’s been a little over a year since actor Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer. The event shook many to their core for several reasons. First, Boseman had just risen to fame as the star of “Black Panther.” He would only enjoy his newly-earned status as an actor for two years until passing away. But what really added weight to the event was that Boseman had become a role model for Black youth, depicting the first mega Black superhero. It represented a positive shift in culture and the media. Seeing a man who represented all of that strength – who played a literal superhero – die so young was almost too much to process. Then, the even more shocking news came out: Boseman had been silently battling cancer for four years – including during the filming of “Black Panther.”

Boseman died at 43 years old from colon cancer, but he’d been diagnosed at age 39. When it was discovered, the cancer was already at stage three, meaning it had penetrated the intestinal walls. While the event was very emotional for the world, it also served as a shocking wakeup call regarding colon cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the US and is one of the leading cancers in cancer-related deaths. While deaths and cases in older adults have dropped in recent decades, there’s been a rise in cases in young adults, says the American Cancer Society. Let’s take this anniversary of the late Chadwick Boseman to learn about colon cancer prevention.

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Understanding colon cancer screenings

One reason cases in older adults have dropped substantially in recent decades is that more people are getting screened for colon cancer as a preventative measure. Colon cancer begins as precancerous polyps in the colon. These polyps can live for years there without presenting symptoms. A colorectal cancer screening can find these polyps and remove them before they have the chance to develop into cancer. Screening can also find colon cancer at an early stage when it’s easiest to treat. In this way, colon cancer is preventable. The National Cancer Institute says that, when cancer has been contained to the bowel, surgery has a 50 percent success rate in curing colon cancer.

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There are several ways to screen

There are several ways to screen early for colon cancer, so let’s go over those here. Depending on your medical history, family medical history, or symptoms you may already be experiencing, one method might be better for you than another. Speak to your doctor about which method will ensure the best results in your case. The simplest form of screening is a stool sample. You can collect your stool at home using a kit provided by your doctor. No sedation is required and you do not need to change your diet for the collection. A stool test can detect changes in your cells that could indicate precancerous changes or cancer. If something is found, further testing will be required. However, it’s worth noting that Mayo Clinic says a stool test is not as sensitive or accurate as a colonoscopy.

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Virtual colonoscopy

If something is found in your stool test, your doctor will likely call for a colonoscopy. You might have the choice of doing either a virtual or a traditional colonoscopy. Many patients prefer a virtual colonoscopy, as it is less invasive than the traditional. A virtual colonoscopy uses a CT scan – a medical imaging technique that collects in-depth images of your colon. During this procedure, a small tube is put in the rectum to create air in the colon that makes it easy for your doctor to view images of the abdominal organs. The procedure takes about 10 minutes and does not require sedation – a fact that makes many patients prefer this method.

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Pros and cons of the virtual colonoscopy

A virtual colonoscopy can be the less intimidating option for patients who are uncomfortable with anesthesia. And because no sedation is required, one can return to their normal activities following the procedure in most cases. However, it’s important to note that, according to Hopkins Medicine, a virtual colonoscopy might not detect small polyps the way a traditional one can. Furthermore, tissue samples cannot be collected in this type of colonoscopy so if something is found, a traditional colonoscopy may be called for so a doctor can collect samples or remove polyps. Getting a virtual colonoscopy does not mean a traditional one is entirely avoidable.

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Traditional colonoscopy

In many cases, taking the route of a stool sample or virtual colonoscopy is part of an attempt to avoid a traditional colonoscopy. Many patients can feel anxiety around this procedure, however, they are very common and every effective. In fact, Cleveland Clinic reports that traditional colonoscopies can detect 95 percent of cancer cells and large polyps. Should the previous tests have found something, a traditional colonoscopy will likely be required. Bowel prep (laxatives and diet change) is required for this procedure, as is sedation. During this procedure, a lighted and flexible probe goes into the rectum. This is also collecting detailed imaging, like with the virtual colonoscopy. In a traditional colonoscopy, should your doctor find polyps, they can remove them. They can also take tissue samples.

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What are your risks?

While there are some risk factors that cannot be controlled, such as your family history or your medical history, some risk factors are within your power to alter. The American Cancer Society notes that there is a link between being overweight or obese and an increased risk of colon cancer. Leading a physically inactive lifestyle has also been linked to a greater risk of colon cancer. A diet that is heavy in meats, particularly processed meats, can also increase one’s risk, as can smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.