CHARLOTTE, N.C. — According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for both men and women.
That's why there’s a push to get screened, which was reignited following the sudden death of actor and South Carolina native, Chadwick Boseman. Data from the American Cancer Society shows that, in North Carolina, only 64% of people 45 and older are up to date on their colorectal screening. Among those ages 45 to 50, 80% percent are not getting screened.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. WCNC Charlotte's Nick Sturdivant spoke to a Matthews man and a former Hornets player who are speaking out about their battles with colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.
Matthews resident Sa’Youh Tunji’s recent doctor’s visit started with a hug and smile ... these days he has a lot to smile about.
“This whole year has a new meaning," Tunjii said. "It gave me a new meaning to life."
This time last year, Tunji was able to ring the bell surrounded by family.
“I walk around the corner to ring the bell and there’s like a world of people and I just broke down,” Tunji shared. “That’s when it hit me that I’ve gone through something you don’t wish on your enemy.”
Tunji was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in October of 2022.
“I felt pain in my stomach. I thought it was food poisoning Labor Day weekend,” he shared.
Tunji said the stomach pain persisted, which led to a colonoscopy that uncovered a tumor.
“You think you’re young and healthy, okay, you think you got some symptoms (and) a lot of men particularly all people will put off or delay," Dr. Adam Kuykendal told WCNC Charlotte. "Getting checked out is the most important thing.”
Kuykendal is an oncologist at Novant Health and Tunji’s doctor.
“There are a lot of patients with no family history of colorectal cancer. No family history of other cancers and they are still being affected,” Kuykendal said.
While the recommendation is to get screened starting at 45, Kuykendal urges people to get checked out earlier if they have symptoms. Some of the symptoms of colorectal cancer include stomach pain, blood in the stool, and a change in the stool character.
As for Tunji, he went through surgery and intense chemotherapy. In March of 2023, his cancer went into remission.
“My attitude was always positive. It’s always positive. Smile through the pain. Smile through the trouble,” Tunji said.
The 43-year-old said he goes for a checkup every few months and is pushing his friends on his soccer team to get screened.
Former Charlotte Hornet forward working to ‘box out’ colon cancer with new campaign
All eyes are on March Madness.
However, retired NBA forward Jamal Mashburn's sights are set on the nation's second most common cause of cancer death for both men and women.
“Colon cancer is the most preventable, but the least prevented cancer," Mashburn told WCNC Charlotte. "It’s treatable and preventable if caught early. So, it's important to be really active about your health."
Mashburn is part of a new campaign called Box Out Colon Cancer.
“I teamed up with Exact Sciences and the Blue Hat Foundation to really encourage people 45 years and older to get screened for colon cancer,” Mashburn explained.
Mashburn played 12 NBA seasons. Two seasons were with the Charlotte Hornets. He said the height of his NBA career was also a low point in his personal life.
“My mother, Helen Mashburn, dealt with colon cancer back in 2003. Off the court I’m a single parent, only child and my best friend is lying in the hospital bed dealing with colon cancer. So, it was very difficult,” Mashburn shared.
“We didn't have the proper information for my mom to get screened. She walked into the hospital and complained about her stomach and then a couple of days later she was diagnosed with colon cancer,” Mashburn said. “It's a tough conversation to have but be proactive about it. Have those tough conversations.”
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.