From the desk of Dr. Gupta 09 01 2020

This weekend we learned the heartbreaking news that actor Chadwick Boseman, the 43-year-old star of “Black Panther,” passed away after a battle with colon cancer. It took many people by surprise. He hadn’t shared his condition. Truth is, the sad story of Boseman is atypical. He was two years younger than the recommended age to begin screening for colon cancer.

Boseman was just 39 when he received the tough diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer, and 43 when he passed away. It is worth noting though that the average age of someone diagnosed with colon cancer has steadily been trending younger and in recent years. About 10% to 12% of those diagnosed with colon cancer are under the age of 50. That may be in part because of more screenings, but also other environmental factors and diet.

We have seen some cancer agencies lowering the recommended age of screenings from 50 to 45.

Still, screenings are really important. There is a 90% survival rate at five years if that diagnosis is made early on. Unfortunately, only 39% of colon cancer patients are diagnosed in those early stages.

The disparities Black people face make that statistic even more troubling. Not only do they have higher cancer rates overall, but higher cancer deaths.

Right now, as we are in the midst of this pandemic, we have been given the chance to take stock of a few things -- one of the biggest being our personal health. In Boseman’s case, screening guidelines may not have ultimately made a difference, but this can be a reminder to us now: It’s important for everyone to stay on top of health appointments and screenings right now.

We know there was a significant drop-off of these appointments early on in the pandemic because all hospitals were essentially Covid-19 hospitals. And we know people were afraid to go to the doctor. But in many places around the country, infection rates are at a level where you should go ahead and schedule those screenings. They can’t take a backseat any longer.

I’m 50 years old now, and I know a lot of people my age still haven’t had a colonoscopy. Don’t put it off. There are things that we can do right now to take control of our health. And even if you’re not having a problem, one thing you can do is at least schedule a telehealth meeting with your doctor to discuss some next steps about having any other screenings or tests you may have put off as we've tried to work our way through the pandemic.