Raven-Symoné announced the death of her brother Blaize Pearman on Monday after a 2-year battle with colon cancer. He was 31.
Raven-Symoné, 38, thanked her followers on Instagram for birthday wishes on Sunday, Dec. 10. She said her birthday was “bittersweet” because she lost her brother, Blaize Pearman, last month.
“It was a little bittersweet for me to be honest because last month I lost my brother, Blaize,” she said. “He was battling colon cancer for about two years and he is in a better place now.”
She added: “He’s loved and missed and the emotions that have been weaving in and out of my body and mind and my family, have been a roller coaster.”
Her brother would have celebrated his birthday on Dec. 16.
“I love you, Blaize,” the Disney star continued. “His birthday is Dec. 16 and forever will be. I love you, guys. My family on Instagram, my family at home and my family and friends. You guys have been such an amazing support system and I love you all.”
Doctors are raising the alarm about rising colon cancer rates among young Americans over the last few years. Studies have shown a steep rise in cancer rates, particularly colorectal cancer, among people under 50.
The rise in colon cancer has led doctors to suggest earlier colonoscopy screenings by age 45.
A recent cancer study showed the steepest increase in late-stage, early-onset colorectal cancer is among men and woman aged 20 to 49.
“I’m seeing patients in my clinic that are 20 years old, 30 years old. So, these are young individuals that may have just graduated from college, graduated from grad school, embarking on some other aspect of their life, or may be in school or starting a family,” said Dr. Cathy Eng, an oncologist at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer or rectal cancer:
* Changes in bowel habits means change in frequency, color, consistency or incontinence. Frequency of bowel movements from 1 time per day to multiple times per day. Sudden diarrhea or constipation that persists for days.
The #1 sign of colorectal cancer is blood in your stool.
Look for changes in stool color: red or black tarry stools can be fresh or old blood. Pale grey or clay-colored stool can mean pancreatic or liver cancer.
Changes in the shape of stool from long and cylindrical to pencil thin or chopped up pieces of stool can mean intestinal polyps or tumors.
Doctors are overworked. They may overlook or dismiss your symptoms. So be your own advocate.
