“Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman’s death in 2020 — from complications of late-stage colon cancer — triggered a significant surge in public awareness of the devastating disease and an increased interest in screening.
The impact was so strong that it was dubbed the “Boseman effect.”
This month’s death of “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek, 48, has put a fresh spotlight on colorectal cancer.
And there’s no time like the present. Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer deaths in Americans under 50, surpassing breast and brain cancers, thanks to steady increases over the last two decades.
The good news is that up to half of colorectal cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. T. Cristina Sardinha — system chief of the colon and rectal surgery service at Catholic Health — shares four major ways younger adults can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.
Get screened
The US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer suggests that people between the ages of 45 and 49 at average risk for colorectal cancer not wait until the previously recommended age of 50 to start screening.
Boseman died at the age of 43 after privately battling the disease for four years.
It’s unclear if he had a family history of colorectal cancer or a hereditary condition that would have significantly increased his risk.
People who have a close relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer may have to start screening at age 40.
Lynch syndrome carriers should begin colonoscopies from ages 20 to 25, Sardinha said, while those with familial adenomatous polyposis typically start surveillance between ages 10 and 12.
Adults should get screened through age 75.
“Patients 76 to 85 are individualized based on life expectancy, previous screening and overall medical history,” Sardinha told The Post.
There are a few options for screening, including blood and stool tests.
Sardinha said that while “any screening is better than no screening,” colonoscopy is the “gold standard.”
“[It’s] not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic by removing small polyps and even early cancers,” she explained. “However, we should keep in mind that it’s an invasive test, requires anesthesia and may lead to complications such as bleeding and unintentional perforation.”
Eat better
Eating healthily reduces chronic inflammation, a major driver of cancer that damages DNA, promotes genetic mutations and fuels abnormal cell growth.
“I strongly recommend a diet rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, at least 20 to 30 grams a day, and avoiding or limiting red and processed meats as well as ultra-processed foods,” Sardinha said.
Red and processed meats — such as beef, bacon and sausage — have been linked to chronic inflammation.
Alcohol, too, is a well-established risk factor for colorectal cancer.
“No alcohol is better than any alcohol, since even one drink a day showed increased risk,” Sardinha noted.
“I’m not saying not to celebrate the New Year or drink on a special occasion, but be aware of the risks if you are a regular drinker.”
Take care of yourself
Regular exercise is as important as a healthy diet in lowering colorectal cancer risk.
Sedentary behavior, often associated with obesity, increases the risk by at least 20%, Sardinha said.
Moderate-to-intense physical activity, at least 150 minutes per week, cuts risk by 20% to 25%, she added.
And don’t sleep on getting adequate sleep.
“Sleep deprivation and short time sleep may increase risks,” Sardinha said. “It makes sense since decreased sleep affects hormone/cortisol balance; however, the evidence is still emerging.”
Address concerning symptoms
Van Der Beek initially blamed the subtle changes in his poop on his coffee habit before being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023.
Shifts in bowel behavior are often attributed to irritable bowel syndrome, stress or diet, while rectal bleeding is dismissed as hemorrhoids.
Female patients may blame heavy menstruation for blood loss instead of anemia.
“A particularly challenging group of patients is pregnant women, where hemorrhoidal disease is a commonly accepted cause of rectal bleeding in this patient population,” Sardinha said.
“This definitely delays diagnosis until after delivery.”
Sardinha said that changes in intestinal function — like constipation, diarrhea or both — that persist for at least two to three weeks should warrant a visit to the doctor.
Also keep an eye out for unintentional weight loss, the feeling that you didn’t empty your bowels, abdominal pain and cramps before or during bowel movements.
