D’Angelo’s shocking passing this month from pancreatic cancer at 51 is the latest in a troubling trend of Black male celebrities who lost their lives to gut issues: “Shaft” actor Richard Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer in 2023 at 81, and “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman died of colon cancer in 2020.
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Cancer doesn’t discriminate, but Black men in particular have to deal with an increased risk Black men face for gastrointestinal cancers — specifically ones that target organs like the stomach, esophagus, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and colon. Often, symptoms start off small and are preventable — but they’re also too often detected too late.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Ed McDonald, Director of Adult Clinical Nutrition at the University of Chicago, gave The Root insight on several things Black men can do right now to get ahead of potentially fatal gut health issues.
Know Your Family History
Many gastrointestinal cancers, like pancreatic and colon cancer, can run in families, so early awareness is critical.
McDonald notes that pancreatic cancer is on the rise, but its causes are unclear. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and produces enzymes for digestion, but when it isn’t working properly, warning signs can be subtle, like yellowing of the skin and eyes.
No matter the condition, knowing your family’s history empowers you and your doctor to act early.
Get Screened
Be proactive about screening. There are no clear-cut guidelines to tell us when to start screening for pancreatic cancer, but Black men are often diagnosed too late.
McDonald also encourages men with a first-degree relative who had colon cancer to screen by age 40 or 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis. This is especially important for people younger than 55, since colon cancer rates in this group have doubled.
Ditch the Cigars and Bourbon
Bad news, fellas. Pairing cigars with bourbon is a popular way to unwind, but the risks outweigh the rewards. Dr. McDonald notes that the trend is exposing Black men to unnecessary carcinogens. “We gotta bond over things that don’t cause cancer,” he said.
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle and Diet
“When people talk about gut health, it is better to talk about healthy lifestyle,” Dr. McDonald said. Eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting down on red meat and exercising regularly — especially if you’re overweight or obese — can drastically improve your gut and overall health.
Recognize Risk Factors
Bloating is common, but if it’s accompanied by pain, see a gastroenterologist.
If you notice blood in your stool, contact your doctor right away. It could be an early sign of a more serious condition.
Dr. McDonald advises limiting milk, carbonated drinks, artificial sweeteners, and gum, which can worsen bloating.
Monitor your medications carefully. NSAIDs can irritate your gut and opioids can cause constipation.
Follow the 3-By-3 Rule
McDonald shares that it’s normal to have anywhere from three bowel movements per day to three per week. If you have fall outside of this range, talk to a gastroenterologist.
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