by Bro. Kelvin A. Moses
The release of Black Panther in 2018 was met with enthusiastic crowds, worldwide acclaim, and new fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly among African-Americans. The portrayal of King T’Challa required a regal demeanor, understated confidence, and pan-African outlook that was fully embodied by Chadwick Boseman. A proud graduate of Howard University, Mr. Boseman had already brought a magnetic presence on the silver screen portraying Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, and Bro. Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. The quiet dignity and intensity he brought to these roles and others is placed in a different light knowing that he was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2016. He endured several rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, which certainly took a toll on his body and mind as he completed his penultimate performance in Da 5 Bloods directed by Spike Lee.
Boseman’s death at the young age of 43 highlights the fact that colorectal cancer is a silent killer, particularly among African-Americans. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be approximately 148,000 cases of colorectal cancer in 2020, making it the third most common cancer among men and women in the US. Known modifiable risk factors for development of colorectal cancer include overweight/obesity, sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in red meat consumption, smoking, and heavy alcohol intake. Others who are at high risk include those with a history of colon polyps, a family history of colon cancer, and certain familial genetic syndromes that predispose colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, African-Americans have the highest incidence and mortality from colon cancer of any population in the US. The major factors contributing to this disparity include lack of access to medical care, entrenched racial discrimination in the medical system, lower rates of screening, and lower rates of receiving guidelines-mandated treatment such as chemotherapy and/or surgery.
As members of the oldest and most influential fraternity for college men, we can act as advocates for our communities and ourselves by encouraging friends and family members to maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet and weight, obtain a primary care physician, discuss and perform screening when appropriate, and obtain information about treatment options. Screening for colorectal cancer can be performed in several ways such as fecal occult blood testing (FOBT card), sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screening at age 45 (for those at average risk) through age 75 (or up to age 85 for those in excellent health). Persons at higher risk, such as those with first degree relatives with colon cancer, should start screening before age 45, up to 10 years earlier than the age of diagnosis of the family member.
Thomas Carlyle said, “Ill-health of body or of mind, is defeat. Health alone is victory. Let all men, if they can manage it, contrive to be healthy!” Let us be mindful of the life and spirit of Chadwick Boseman, now an ancestor, and march onward and upward to victory in health.
