Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman, the widow of late actor Chadwick Boseman, has issued a heartfelt warning to young adults, urging them not to ignore the growing threat of colon cancer.
Speaking at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Ledward-Boseman emphasized that people under 50 are dangerously underestimating their risk of the disease, one that is increasingly affecting younger age groups and projected to become their leading cause of cancer death by 2030.
“Colon cancer is taking young lives across the country,” she said. “Many don’t realize how vulnerable they are. But I’ve seen firsthand how treatable this cancer can be when it’s caught early.”
Ledward-Boseman encouraged vigilance around early symptoms such as blood in stool or changes in bowel habits, and urged people to take advantage of screening options now recommended in the U.S. starting at age 45.
Her late husband - perhaps best known for his role as T’Challa in Black Panther and the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe - died in 2020 at age 43 after a private, four-year battle with stage 3 colon cancer.
Diagnosed in 2016, Boseman continued to work on major film projects while undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. His death shocked adn devastated fans worldwide, especially because few knew of his illness.
Other high-profile losses include Broadway actor Quentin Lee, who passed away in 2022 at just 34.
Ledward-Boseman delivered the keynote address at Dana-Farber’s annual forum for colon cancer patients and families. She spoke not only as a caregiver but also as an advocate, calling for wider awareness, particularly in communities of color.
“My advocacy comes from personal loss and from frustration at the lack of awareness, especially in the Black community,” she said. “If we know the risks, we have a responsibility to speak out. Awareness saves lives.”
Colon cancer diagnoses among people under 50 have risen sharply in recent years. By 2030, annual cases are expected to surpass 27,000 in this age group, a 140% increase since the late 1990s. The disease is already being found in patients in their 30s, and in some cases, as young as 21, The Daily Mail details.
Black Americans face the highest risk, with rates 20% higher than other racial groups and a 40% greater chance of dying from the disease.
One reason colon cancer is so deadly is because early symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed, delaying diagnosis until the cancer has advanced and spread. When caught early, survival rates are over 90%, Cancer Research explains. But once the disease reaches later stages, that number plummets to just 14%.
Dr. Kimmie Ng, a colon cancer expert at Dana-Farber, echoed the urgency: “The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer is alarming. We need more awareness, earlier detection, and better understanding of the causes behind this trend.”
She also praised Ledward-Boseman’s advocacy: “Her openness and commitment to spreading awareness is a powerful tribute to Chadwick’s legacy and a vital contribution to the fight against this disease.”
If you or a loved one has been affected by cancer, support is available. You can call the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345 for information, emotional support, and guidance on next steps. For additional resources, visit cancer.org or the National Cancer Institute at cancer.gov, where you can find information on treatment options, clinical trials, and support services.