'Black Panther' Star Chadwick Boseman Dies at 43

Chadwick Boseman, who played "Black Panther" in the Marvel cinematic universe, died Friday following a long battle with colon cancer. He was 43.

The film star was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these past four years as it progressed to stage 4, his family said in a statement. They went on to say, “A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”

The family says Boseman had never spoken openly about his diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men. This year, approximately one in 23 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, especially in the African American community.  

Colon cancer screenings should begin at age 50 for individuals at average risk. However, those with certain risk factors are encouraged to begin screenings sooner. Factors that warrant colon cancer testing include:

• Being African American or Black
• Having a personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
• Having certain inherited syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome or adenomatous polyposis 
• Having inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Symptoms of colon cancer may not appear right away, and when it does they can often mimic other health issues, such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis. Therefore, if you notice any possible signs of colon cancer, it is important to contact your physician.

The five most common signs are:

• A change in bowel habits — Diarrhea, constipation, rectal bleeding, a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely or a narrowing of the stool
• A change in stool color — Bright red or very dark stools (which could indicate the presence of blood)
• Gastrointestinal distress — Frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, cramps or vomiting
• Exhaustion — Overwhelming and unexplained feelings of fatigue or weakness
• Weight loss — A decrease in fat, muscle mass or body fluid that is unrelated to diet or exercise