Colorectal cancer has quickly and quietly become a major concern for young Americans. Though it’s often thought of as “an older person’s disease,” cases of colorectal cancer in those under 50 have increased by 51% since 1994. While overall colorectal cancer death rates are dropping in the U.S., the death rate among people younger than 55 is rapidly increasing. According to researchers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, rates of colon cancer are expected to increase by 90% for people ages 20-34 and 27.7% for people ages 35-49 by 2030.

While screening has been credited with saving lives of those 50 and older, young people who are under the recommended screening age have been flying under the radar, leading to many cases of colorectal cancer in young people that are diagnosed at advanced stages.

The death of Chadwick Boseman further illustrates this alarming trend. At just 43 years old (age 39 at the age of diagnosis), you may think he was “too young” or that it was “just a fluke.” But in fact, Mr. Boseman is part of a growing trend of colorectal cancer in adults under 50.

Although he was a singular talent and exceptional man whose grace, strength and transformative performances broke barriers and uplifted the Black community, the circumstances surrounding his death are becoming far too common.

Join us in remembering and honoring Mr. Boseman by asking the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to change their recommendation so people can start routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

Despite the American Cancer Society dropping the recommended age for routine colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2018, the USPSTF recommendation remains at 50, which is hugely problematic since the USPSTF is what insurers must follow in providing coverage. Without a change from the USPSTF, millions of Americans ages 45-49 do not have access to the screening they need.

Mr. Boseman’s death is a reminder to all of us that our work to end cancer is far from done. As we continue to look for better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer, we need to utilize what we already know to reduce our risk and detect cancer early. Though a screening age of 45 would still not have been enough to prevent Mr. Boseman’s cancer, it is a step in the right direction to prevent more cancer cases or detect them early.

Raise your voice and ensure we won’t lose any more of our heroes—on screen or off.

Visit www.preventcancer.org/advocacy to stay in the know.

*Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Disney