MOBILE, Ala. — The death of actor Chadwick Boseman at just 43 has Mobile doctors and oncologists using the moment to deliver a pointed message about colon cancer: it doesn’t care how young or healthy you seem.
“It’s kind of a wake-up call,” said Dr. Issac Payne, a surgical specialist with Infirmary Health. “Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.” He noted that about 1 in 23 Americans will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point in their lives.
Screening Age Is Dropping
Screening is now recommended starting at 45 — but Boseman’s death at 43 underscores that the disease can strike earlier. Dr. Moh’d Khushman, an associate professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, said earlier screening for younger patients is becoming part of the norm.
“If you’re younger than 45, do not ever assume because you’re younger you’re not going to have colon cancer,” Khushman warned. “If you have symptoms that are persistent, then do not take it lightly.”
Disparities and Hope
Boseman’s death also shines a light on another reality: African Americans face a disproportionately high risk of being diagnosed with the disease.
“African Americans are disproportionately affected compared to Caucasians,” Payne said. “And while it’s an unfortunate situation with Mr. Boseman, colon cancer is survivable.” Both doctors stressed that early diagnosis is key — and that even for those who’ve missed recommended screening windows, catching the disease early can still make all the difference.