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O'Hara's Death: Rectal Cancer, Not Just Clot
10 Feb
Summary
- Catherine O'Hara died from a blood clot, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause.
- Rectal cancer is rising among young people, often with subtle, misdiagnosed symptoms.
- Early detection drastically improves survival rates for rectal cancer patients.
The cause of Catherine O'Hara's death was revealed to be a blood clot in her lungs, with rectal cancer identified as the underlying condition. This disclosure brings attention to the increasing rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, particularly among younger populations. Subtle symptoms are often initially dismissed or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Marissa Peters, diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer at age 39, experienced years of her symptoms being attributed to other causes. Her experience underscores the critical need for thorough investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding, even in young patients. Experts emphasize that a lower threshold is now required for investigating potential colorectal cancer in younger adults.
The American Cancer Society projects nearly 50,000 rectal cancer diagnoses in 2026. While overall rates have declined, cases among those under 50 are rising, with death rates increasing for those under 55. Early detection is paramount, as the five-year survival rate for localized rectal cancer is 90 percent, compared to 18 percent for advanced stages.
