Reuters reports Chadwick Boseman, the 43-year old actor from the Black Panther movie among other movies and tv shows, passed away from colon cancer. In March, the American Cancer Society released information noting that rates of colon cancer in young adults are on the rise. The Mayo Clinic recommends individuals eat a healthy diet, maintain a normal weight, exercise daily, limit drinking and not smoking as tools to help prevent colon cancer. Screening for colon cancer has helped reduce the number of cases of older adults, but is not currently recommended for those under age 50 unless there is a family history of the disease. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) recommends African Americans should begin screening at age 45. If you have blood in your stool, changes in your stool, or ongoing abdominal discomfort, it is important to voice your concerns with your physician no matter your age. Colon cancer is not just a disease for old people.
Are You At Risk for Colon Cancer?
Published in The Stream
Jessica Gilbert has been the director of the Humane Society of South Central Michigan since 2008. She has her BA in Liberal Arts and her Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University. A lifelong resident of Battle Creek, she collects mid century chrome postcards.
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