What Chadwick Boseman's Story Can Help Us Understand About Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults

The news

Actor Chadwick Boseman, known worldwide for his role as King T'Challa in Black Panther, died in August 2020 at age 43. According to the public statement released by his family, he had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, which later progressed to stage IV, and he continued working on films while receiving treatment.

That is what was publicly shared. We do not know — and will not speculate about — details of his diagnosis or care beyond what his family chose to make public.

Why people are talking about it

Many people were surprised that someone so young, and so visibly strong, could have advanced colon cancer. His death prompted a wave of public conversation about colorectal cancer in adults under 50 — a group in which, according to the National Cancer Institute, rates have been rising for reasons researchers are still working to understand.

Moments like this often lead people to ask questions about their own health. That can be a good thing, when the questions lead to calm, accurate information rather than fear.

What this cancer means

Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, the last parts of the digestive system. It usually develops slowly, often beginning as a small growth called a polyp that can, over many years, become cancer. Because of this slow development, screening tests can often find polyps before they become cancer, or find cancer early when it may be easier to treat.

Staging describes how far a cancer has spread. Stage III means the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes; stage IV means it has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

Common questions

Isn't colorectal cancer an "older person's disease"? Most cases are still diagnosed in people over 50, but rates in younger adults have been rising. This is one reason U.S. screening recommendations now generally begin at age 45 for people at average risk.

Does being young and fit protect you? Fitness supports overall health, but it does not make anyone immune to cancer. Symptoms such as a persistent change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss deserve medical attention at any age.

Should I be worried? A news story is not a reason to panic — it can simply be a prompt to learn what screening is recommended for your age and risk level, and to bring any persistent symptoms to a healthcare professional.

What NCI says

The National Cancer Institute notes that colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in the United States, that screening can find it early or even prevent it, and that incidence among adults under 50 has been increasing since the 1990s. NCI-supported researchers are actively studying possible reasons, including diet, obesity, gut bacteria, and other environmental factors. See the NCI links on this page for the full, current information.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• At what age should I start colorectal cancer screening, given my personal and family history?
• Which screening test is right for me, and how often should I have it?
• Are any symptoms I've noticed worth investigating?
• Does my family history change my risk?