Chadwick Boseman's widow issued colon cancer warning to young people as easy to miss signs are revealed

Chadwick Boseman's widow has issued a colon cancer warning to young people who are 'vastly underestimating' the disease.

The Black Panther star passed away from colon cancer, also known as bowel cancer, in 2020 after a secret diagnosis in 2016.

He was just 43 when he died and Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman says young adults need to keep a look out for the early warning signs.

What is colon cancer?

Chadwick Boseman died from colon cancer in 2020 (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney)

Colon cancer, or bowel cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and can be found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, colon cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide

In 2022, there were 1,926,425 new cases of colorectal cancer world-wide and accounts for 10 per cent of all cases.

Cancer Research UK reported that bowel cancer rates are increasing amongst adults between 20 and 50, averaging to be up 7.3 per cent each year for in 30 to 39 year olds.

Colon cancer symptoms

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer (Getty Stock Images)

Here are nine symptoms to be wary of, according to the NHS:

• changes in your pooing habits
• blood in your poo (may look red or black)
• bleeding from your bottom
• often feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet
• tummy pain
• a lump in your tummy
• bloating
• losing weight without trying
• feeling very tired for no reason

Colon cancer warning

Chadwick Boseman was just 43 when he died and Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman says young adults need to keep a look out for the early warning signs (Eric McCandless via Getty Images)

With cases rising every year, Boseman's widow has cautioned that the cancer is treatable if caught early enough.

At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, Ledward-Boseman said: "Colon cancer is killing young people across the country, and most are vastly underestimating their risk.

"I've seen how this disease moves, and I know now how treatable it is when it's detected early.

"My personal advocacy stems from this understanding, and from the disappointment I feel in the lack of awareness in my community.

She added: "We who have this knowledge have an obligation to inform our fellow man. Spreading awareness will save lives."

Dr Kimmie Ng - an expert in the cancer at Dana-Farber - said: "The alarming rise in young-onset colorectal cancer underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection and comprehensive research to understand the underlying causes and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

"Facing young-onset colorectal cancer requires not only resilience but also advocacy.

"We are thankful to Simone Ledward-Boseman for bravely sharing her personal experience as a caretaker.

"Her continued support for awareness-raising efforts honours the incredible legacy of her late husband, Chadwick Boseman."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.