What Kirstie Alley's Story Can Help Us Understand About Colon Cancer

The news

Kirstie Alley, the Emmy-winning actor known for Cheers and Look Who's Talking, died in December 2022 at age 71. In a statement shared on social media, her children said she had died after a battle with cancer that had only recently been discovered. It was widely reported that the cancer was colon cancer.

That is what her family chose to make public. We do not speculate about any private details of her diagnosis or care beyond what was shared.

Why people are talking about it

Alley's death was a surprise to many, in part because it was reported that her illness had been found not long before she died. That detail drew attention to a difficult truth about colorectal cancer: it can grow for a long time without obvious symptoms. Moments like this often prompt people to ask what they can do to catch this cancer earlier — which is a calm, useful question to bring to a healthcare team.

What this cancer means

According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum — the last parts of the digestive system. Over time, some polyps can become cancer. Because this process is usually slow, finding and removing polyps can actually prevent colorectal cancer from developing, and screening can often find cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

Common questions

Why is it sometimes found late? NCI explains that colorectal cancer can develop without causing symptoms for some time, which is one reason screening — testing people who feel well — is so valuable.

Can a polyp be removed before it becomes cancer? Yes. NCI notes that finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. This is part of why screening is recommended.

Is this only an older person's cancer? Most cases are diagnosed in older adults, but it can occur earlier. Any persistent symptoms deserve attention at any age.

Awareness, screening, and prevention

NCI provides detailed information on colorectal cancer screening, and highlights that screening can both find cancer early and, by catching polyps, help prevent it. Which test is right, and when to begin, is a personal decision best made with a healthcare professional based on your age, health history, and family history. NCI also describes symptoms — such as a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, ongoing abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight loss — as reasons to check in with a professional.

Turning a story into something useful

A public story like this can be a gentle nudge to ask a simple question: "When should I be screened for colorectal cancer, and which test makes sense for me?" Learning what a polyp is, understanding that screening can prevent as well as detect this cancer, and bringing any lasting symptoms to a professional are practical, hopeful steps. Supporting free, trustworthy cancer education helps this kind of information reach more people.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• At what age should I begin colorectal cancer screening, given my history?
• Which screening test is right for me, and how often should I have it?
• Do any symptoms I've noticed deserve a closer look?
• Does my family history change my screening plan?