Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know Now

When news broke that Chadwick Boseman, the beloved Black Panther star, died in 2020 at just 43 from stage 4 colon cancer, fans were shocked. He was young, strong, and seemed healthy. His death put a painful spotlight on a truth we don’t talk about enough: colorectal cancer is hitting African Americans—and especially younger adults—hard.   

Why This Matters

Black men and women are more likely to get colorectal cancer and more likely to die from it than most other racial groups in the U.S. This isn’t about weakness or “bad genes”. It’s about access to care, late diagnosis, diet, stress, and a healthcare system that too often doesn’t listen. 

Even more concerning: colorectal cancer is showing up in people under 50 at higher rates. What used to be considered an “older person’s cancer” is now affecting people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s—just like Chadwick Boseman. That means you can’t assume you’re “too young” to be at risk.   

Food, Lifestyle, and Risk

Highly processed foods—fast food, processed meats (like hot dogs, bacon, sausage), frozen dinners, chips, sugary drinks—have been linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer. These foods often fuel inflammation, harm gut health, and can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which also increase cancer risk.   

You don’t have to eat perfectly, but small changes add up:   

Eat more fiber: beans, greens, fruits, whole grains   

• Cut back on red and processed meats   
• Limit sugary drinks and fast food   
• Move your body regularly, even if it’s a daily walk   

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore   

Colorectal cancer can be silent at first, but there are warning signs. Don’t ignore:   

• Blood in your stool or on the toilet paper   
• A change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a few weeks)   
• Constant Fatigue 
• Ongoing stomach pain, cramping, or gas   
• Unexplained weight loss or constant tiredness   
• Feeling like you still need to “go” even after you’ve gone   

If something feels “off” with your gut, listen to your body and speak up—firmly. You deserve to be taken seriously by your healthcare provider, no matter your age.   

The Tests That Can Save Your Life   

The most powerful tool we have is screening—testing before you feel sick. Screening can find polyps (small growths) and remove them before they turn into cancer. Common tests include:   

• Colonoscopy: A doctor looks at your whole colon with a camera. If they see polyps, they can remove them right then.   
• Stool tests (like FIT or stool DNA tests): You collect a stool sample at home and send it to a lab. These tests look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA.   

Guidelines now recommend most people start screening at age 45—but if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer, you may need to start earlier.   

The Most Important Step: Get Screened

If you remember nothing else, remember this: screening can prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early when it’s highly treatable.   

HEALing Community Health is here to help. Visit HEALing Community Health to:   

• Learn more about your personal risk   
• Get connected with colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy or stool tests)   
• Ask questions in a safe, respectful environment with a medical provider who will listen carefully and compassionately to you   

Chadwick Boseman’s legacy is about strength, dignity, and portraying Black characters with authenticity. Honor that legacy by fighting for your own health. Don’t wait. If you’re 45 or older—or younger with symptoms or family history—call 404-564-7749 or go online to HEALing Community Health and schedule your appointment to get tested. Your life is worth it.