Our response to the tragic news that Chadwick Boseman has died of colon cancer aged 43

Following today's news that American actor Chadwick Boseman has sadly died of colon cancer at the age of 43, our Chief Executive Genevieve Edwards said:

"It's devastating to hear that Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second biggest cancer killer, with someone diagnosed with the disease every 15 minutes. Although it's more common in the over 50s, bowel cancer affects people of all ages, with more than 2,500 under 50s diagnosed in the UK each year.

"Raising awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer is vital, as it's treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Our recent Never Too Young report found that half of under 50s didn't know they could develop the disease, with a third putting off visiting their GP for a number of months, despite experiencing symptoms.

"Bowel Cancer UK urges everyone, no matter what their age, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of bowel cancer and contact their GP as soon as possible if they have bleeding from their bottom and/or blood in their poo, a persistent and unexplained change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness for no obvious reason, and a pain or lump in their tummy, to ensure the best possible chance of an early diagnosis."

• Read more about our Never Too Young report and its findings
• Learn about the symptoms of bowel cancer