Remembering Ron Duguay and Colon Cancer

What was reported

Ron Duguay, who played eight seasons for the New York Rangers, died on Thursday, October 22, 2026. He was 69.

WJLA reported that his family said he died on October 22, and that he died after a battle with stage 4 cancer that began in his colon. He was diagnosed in 2024, and his family said earlier in 2026 that it had progressed to stage 4. His daughter announced his death on Instagram, and the Rangers said his family had informed the team.

NHL.com also reported that he had stage 4 cancer. It said he had told the New York Post that it began in his colon, and that he lost his appendix and gallbladder during more than a year of illness. NHL.com did not state a cause of death. The two outlets describe the organs involved a little differently, so this article says only what both support: stage 4 cancer that began in the colon.

A career remembered

The Rangers drafted Duguay 13th overall in 1977. He played for the team from 1977 to 1983 and from 1986 to 1988, including the 1979 run to the Stanley Cup Final. The team called him one of the most popular players in franchise history. He later worked 12 years as a Rangers analyst on MSG Network.

Outlets gave different career game totals, so none are repeated here.

What was not reported

Nothing was published here about his treatment. This article does not guess at it.

Colorectal cancer in brief

NCI says colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum, and that finding and removing polyps can prevent it.

Early signs worth knowing

NCI lists these possible signs of colon cancer:

• Blood in the stool, either bright red or very dark.
• A change in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely, or stools narrower or differently shaped than usual.
• Belly discomfort such as gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps.
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Fatigue.
• Vomiting.

NCI notes that these can be caused by colon cancer or by other conditions, and advises checking with a doctor if you have any of them. Screening can find polyps or cancer before any symptoms start, which is one reason not to wait for signs.

When to see a doctor

Do not wait for a symptom to go away on its own. Blood in the stool, or a bowel change that lasts or keeps returning, is worth a call to your doctor, even if hemorrhoids seem likely.

For heavy bleeding, severe belly pain, or fainting, call 911.

Screening ages

NCI says expert groups generally recommend regular screening for average-risk adults starting at age 45, and generally continuing to 75. Between 76 and 85, the decision depends on a person's overall health, past screening and preferences. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults 45 to 75.

Options include stool tests (FIT, or a stool DNA test), colonoscopy, and CT colonography. People with a family history, a personal history of advanced polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome may need to start earlier or be screened more often. Ask your doctor which applies to you.

More on this site

• Colorectal cancer
• Colorectal cancer: signs and symptoms
• Colorectal cancer screening now starts at 45
• Cancer screening guidelines by age

Sources

• WJLA: Former Rangers forward Ron Duguay dies at 69 after stage 4 cancer battle
• NHL.com: Ron Duguay dead at age 69
• NCI: Colorectal Cancer
• NCI: Colorectal Cancer Screening fact sheet
• NCI: Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ) Patient Version

How this article was prepared

An AI-assisted editorial system helped prepare this page. No named medical reviewer has reviewed it unless one is listed.

Cancer Explained is published by the National Cancer Information Foundation. It is not medical advice and does not suggest a test or treatment.

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