Like many others in our community, I am mourning the death of Chadwick Boseman.
It’s a very strange feeling to mourn the death of someone who you did not know but feel like could have easily been an older cousin, an uncle, or a brother to you in another lifetime. His tragic death from colon cancer has sparked discussion about the prevalence of colon cancer in the Black community.
I created this website because, as Black millennials, we need a space to openly exchange ideas and advocate for our future older selves. In Chadwick’s memory, I have listed three facts about colon cancer in the Black community to get us thinking about how we all can advocate for our health.
All we’ve got is us.
African-Americans Have The Highest Mortality Rates for Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
It’s shocking. But, it’s true. Most statements surrounding Chadwick’s death start off with three little words: “I didn’t know…” Although you might have heard that African-Americans suffer from other diseases at a higher rates than our White counterparts, there is a large chance that colon cancer was not on your radar. According to The American Journal of Pathology, Black folks are often diagnosed with colorectal cancer at earlier ages and with more advanced disease.
Why?
It’s a mix of a bunch of different issues: lack of access to care, environmental factors, and other potential genetic risk factors. But, when it comes down to it, racism and healthcare are very much intertwined.
Everyone Should Get Screened (…If You Are Able)
In a perfect world, everyone would get screened for colon cancer if they were at risk. But, as we all know, we do not live in a perfect world. But, if you have access to healthcare professionals that can walk you through the screening process, don’t wait, family. Everyone should get screened at 45 years old and maybe even a few years earlier if colon cancer runs in your family.
Want to find out more about the magic formula? Check out this article from The New York Times.
People with a family history of colon cancer should be screened at age 40 or ten years younger than the age of the family member who was diagnosed – whichever comes sooner.
If you have more questions about the screening process, don’t be afraid to reach out to your trusted healthcare professional. Don’t wait and be proactive. Talk to your family members and make sure they know the facts.
You Are Able to Reduce Your Risk for Colon Cancer
It is not possible to completely wipe out your risk for colon cancer but there are actions that you can take now, as a Black millennial, to invest in your older self. The American Cancer Society lists changes in diet, weight, and physical activity as factors that can help reduce your risk. Also, limit that alcohol consumption and stop smoking.
The complete list from the American Cancer Society can be found here.
This is not a complete list. But, I do hope this helps strike up conversation among us Black millennials. It’s easy to get caught up in the grind. But, make sure that you are checking in with your body, checking in your family and friends, and checking in with your community, at large.
Thank you, Chadwick for sharing your last years with us.
Rest in Power.
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