Ryuichi Sakamoto, a world-renowned Japanese composer, musician, and outspoken environmentalist, passed away at age 71 on March 28 in Tokyo due to colorectal cancer.
In 1983, Sakamoto co-starred alongside David Bowie in the film, “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” about a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. He also scored the music for the film, winning him a 1984, BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards), Best Original Music Score Award. Over the years he went on to win a multitude of other music awards including an Oscar, a Grammy, and two Golden Globes.
Another prominent figure, Chadwick Boseman, the celebrated lead actor in Marvel’s iconic film “Black Panther,” passed away after a battle with colon cancer, on Aug. 28, 2020. He was only 43.
These deaths left many people grieving and have also increased awareness and concern about the importance of early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer.
About Colorectal Cancer and Its Symptoms
Colorectal cancer is a disease of the colon or rectum, often starting as noncancerous growths called polyps, which, if treated early may prevent the cancer.
According to statistics released by the American Cancer Society in January, colorectal cancer has emerged as the third most fatal cancer in the United States. It is estimated that in 2023, there will be 106,970 new cases of colon cancer, 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer, and 52,550 deaths.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the large intestine (colon and rectum). The colon is part of the digestive system and is connected to the anus. Most of the large intestine consists of the colon, a muscular tube about 5 feet long that absorbs water and salt from leftover food and passes the waste that remains into the rectum, the last 6 inches of the digestive system, where it is stored and excreted through the anus.
In the early stage of colorectal cancer, there are few obvious symptoms. As the illness advances, symptoms such as blood in the stool, blackened stool, and bloody mucus in the stool become apparent. Anemia, dizziness, constipation or diarrhea, thin stool, and bloating may also arise. In severe cases, it may lead to intestinal obstruction.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Though colorectal cancer has mainly been diagnosed in people over 50 years of age, with colon cancer averaging age 68 for men and 72 for women and rectal cancer averaging age 63 for both men and women, there has been a recent rise in cases in people under the age of 50.
A higher risk of developing colorectal cancer is found in those:
- Having a family history of colorectal cancer.
- Having a diet low in fiber and high in fat.
- Having a sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity.
- Individuals with diabetes, obesity, and a history of smoking or heavy alcohol consumption.