‘Beetlejuice’ actress Catherine O’Hara dies at 71
Catherine O’Hara, remembered as the award-winning star of “Home Alone,” “Beetlejuice,” and “Schitt’s Creek,” has died at the age of 71.
Catherine O’Hara died of pulmonary embolism, but her death certificate also revealed that she had been diagnosed with rectal cancer.
O’Hara’s death certificate was obtained by USA TODAY on February 9, and TMZ first reported the news.
According to the Mayo Clinic, rectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the rectum, the last few inches of the large intestine.
Because rectal and colon cancers are similar in many ways, they are often referred to together as colorectal cancer. However, the clinic added that the treatments are completely different.
Here’s what you need to know about the diagnosis.
Symptoms of rectal cancer
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of rectal cancer usually occur when the disease is advanced and may include:
- changes in bowel movements
- Feeling like your bowels aren’t completely empty
- abdominal pain
- rectal bleeding
- narrow stool
- weight loss
- weakness or fatigue
- lump in rectum
“Bleeding associated with hemorrhoids is typically bright red and occurs during or after a bowel movement, while bleeding associated with cancer is dark red or bright red and can occur at any time,” the clinic notes, but adds that if you have bleeding, it’s important to see a medical professional to determine what’s going on.
If someone actually has rectal cancer, talking about it can be embarrassing or stigmatizing. It’s important to look into resources like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance that advise you on how to combat such feelings.
Rectal cancer risk factors and prevention
The American Cancer Society notes that risk factors for rectal cancer are the same as those for colon cancer, including:
- Age: The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age
- Racial and ethnic background. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and African Americans make up the highest percentages in the United States.
- Personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
- Previous radiation to the abdomen or pelvis
- Family history or certain genetic syndromes
The organization adds that while these risk factors are unavoidable, there are others that can be changed or improved through lifestyle, such as excess weight, smoking, alcohol use, type 2 diabetes, and a diet low in vegetables and high in red and processed meat.
According to the ACS Cancer Facts & Figures 2024 report, approximately 55% of colorectal cancers can be caused by preventable risk factors such as diet, weight, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Rectal cancer treatment
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under age 50 in the United States, according to new evidence from the ACS released in January.
But the good news is that rectal cancer is often curable, especially if caught early, according to the Mayo Clinic.
“Treatment may begin with surgery to remove the cancer. If the cancer grows or spreads to other parts of the body, treatment may begin with drugs or radiation instead,” the clinic said, adding that treatment plans may also include chemotherapy, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy and palliative care.
Depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, different types of treatments can be used in combination or in sequence, according to the ACS.
