Dr. Jaime Baquero, an FDHS gastroenterologist practicing at Sarasota Center for Digestive Disease, spoke to ABC 7 news after the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman. Unfortunately, Chadwick’s death wasn’t unique. The American Cancer Society estimates 104,610 new cases of colon cancer and 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States in 2020. While colorectal cancer incidence rates in people 55 years or older are consistently dropping, rates are increasing by 2% each year in those younger than 55.

So what can you do to prevent this deadly disease? Dr. Baquero recommends that you get screened (at age 45 if you have no family history; earlier if you do have a family history of the colorectal cancer), immediately address symptoms with your doctors, stay active and eat a healthy diet.

Symptoms

• Rectal bleeding
• Bloody stool
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss

Risk factors

• Age (50+)
• Family history
• Gender (men are at greater risk)
• History of IBD
• Race
• Lifestyle (smoking, obesity, lack of physical exercise, diet, poor nutrition)

Watch the below interview for more info!