Key Highlights
- Catherine O’Hara’s rectal cancer diagnosis raises awareness about colorectal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Canada and affects 25,200 Canadians annually.
- O’Hara’s death highlights the need for more conversations around embarrassing health issues.
- Early detection can significantly improve survival rates of colorectal cancer.
The news that Catherine O’Hara, a beloved Canadian actress and comedian, died of rectal cancer has stirred up more than just sadness. It brings into sharp focus the issue of colorectal cancer awareness and the lingering stigma surrounding it. Mary De Vera, an epidemiologist who has battled this disease for nearly a decade, sees in O’Hara’s passing an opening to shift the conversation.
Colorectal Cancer: A Growing Concern
According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, rectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in Canada. It ranks as the third most common after breast and prostate cancers, impacting approximately 25,200 Canadians each year. This statistic alone underscores why O’Hara’s case carries weight beyond her fame.
The Stigma and Taboo
De Vera recalls the shame she felt when diagnosed at just 36 years old. “Of all the cancers, why did I have to get one that’s embarrassing?” she wonders aloud. This sentiment is echoed by many who face colorectal cancer due to the lower body location of the disease and its associated symptoms.
Advocacy and Awareness
O’Hara’s death has opened a door for advocacy groups in Canada and the U.S. to push for more discussions about this often-taboo subject. Mary De Vera, who recently led a study on young women with colorectal cancer, emphasizes that “any time you have that, there is that shame and stigma and taboo.”
Screening and Early Detection
The importance of early detection cannot be overstated. BC Cancer notes that if colon cancer is caught at its earliest stage, the chances of survival are more than 90%. Dr. Ted McAlister adds that screening can save lives by identifying non-cancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
Call to Action
“Regardless of your age,” De Vera urges, “talk to a healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms: blood in your stool, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss.” Health Canada recommends that all average-risk adults aged 50-74 get screened every two years with a fecal immunochemical test.
O’Hara’s case serves as both a tragic reminder and a powerful catalyst for change. As De Vera puts it, “It’s in the talking that we can hopefully prevent the disease and then, for those suffering in isolation and loneliness, when they see people sharing it makes the journey a little less lonely.”
