Colorectal cancer is a disease of the colon or rectum. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
Doctors therefore recommend regular screenings starting at age 45. Early detection can make treatment more effective.
Actor James Van Der Beek underwent medical examinations in 2023 after experiencing digestive problems. The tests led to a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, People reported, citing an interview with Today.
Openness about the disease
Sharon Osbourne publicly shared details about her illness as early as 2002. According to Personal Health News, she underwent both surgery and chemotherapy after the cancer had spread.
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She later began advocating for greater awareness of the disease and launched a support program for patients, OncoDaily reported.
At the same time, several organizations point out that colorectal cancer is still surrounded by stigma, as many people find it difficult to speak openly about the disease.
Revealed after her death
It only became known after Catherine O’Hara’s death in January 2026 that she had been undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer since the previous year, HealthDigest reported.
According to her death certificate, she died from a blood clot linked to the disease.
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Following her death, several organizations in the United States and Canada have used her story to highlight the importance of screening and early detection of colorectal cancer.
Sources: HealthDigest, People, Today, Personal Health News, and OncoDaily.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.