Novant Health doctor urges colon cancer screenings after James Van Der Beek death

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) – Medical experts at Novant Health report colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and it is the most common cancer in the country.

Actors James Van Der Beek and Chadwick Boseman both battled from colon cancer from passing away.

Medical experts said this year there are more than 150,000 new cancer cases for colon cancer alone.

As with Van Der Beek and Boseman, experts said one in every five of these cases will be for people under the age of 55.

The recommended age for colon cancer screening is by age 45.  Dr. Whiyie Sang, a colon and rectal surgeon at Novant Health said if colon cancer is caught early, there is a 90% chance of survival.

“So the message is pretty simple–It’s get screened, don’t ignore your symptoms, get checked out. That way you have peace of mind,” Dr. Sang said.

Dr. Sang said the biggest warning sign for colon cancer is blood in your stool and abdominal pain or changes in your bowel habits. He said it’s important to listen to your body and talk with your doctor if you experience these symptoms.