The disease that took Black Panther's life: Doctor says how to prevent colon cancer

Actor Chadwick Boseman, who is synonymous with the superhero Hollywood character 'Black Panther,' lost his life to colon cancer at the young age of 43. He was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016, and it progressed to the next stage by 2019. He passed away in 2020, despite ongoing treatment. Around 2010, actor Morgan Freeman was also diagnosed with the same cancer. However, early detection helped him catch the disease early and recover well. Colon cancer is a disease that is notoriously silent in its first stages.

This is the reason why many doctors, these days, emphasise screening for the disease, which is the fourth most common cancer today in India. In India, the doctors at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute recommend checking for it from the age of 40 or 45, as they are seeing early-onset trends. Dr Ramesh M, Consultant and Head - Medical Gastroenterology, Mar Sleeva Medicity, Palai, explains more on the disease. 

How the disease starts
Colon cancer begins as small growths called polyps in the large intestine. If they are very small - under 1 cm or so- they aren't considered risky. However, if they grow to be 2 or 3 cms, they can be cancerous. A colonoscopy can detect changes in the colon and detect cancer at its earlier stages, ensuring treatment. However, once it progresses to stage four, it's very difficult to treat. In Western countries, it's often mandatory for people above the age of 50 to undergo colonoscopies. People who have colon cancer in their family history should be especially careful and undergo early tests for it. 

Symptoms of colon cancer
a) Diarrhoea
b) Blood in stool
c) A burning sensation in the rectal area
d) Extreme fatigue
e) Severe constipation

How to prevent colon cancer
The Mayo Clinic suggests the following steps to reduce the risk of colon cancer:
a) Ensure you undergo routine health checks
b) Eat a healthy diet, involving locally sourced foods
c) Limit processed and red meats
d) Do regular physical activity
e) Quit smoking
f) Quit alcohol consumption