Actress Catherine O’Hara Privately Battled Rectal Cancer
Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara, 71, was best known for her roles in the movie “Home Alone” and the hit show “Schitt’s Creek.”
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung that creates a blockage. Rectal cancer was identified as the underlying long-term cause.
What Is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer forms in the inner lining of the rectum, which connects the colon to the anus.
Commonly, rectal cancer develops from an abnormal growth called polyps. Polyps can begin as benign and, over time, become cancerous. While the exact cause of the disease is not fully understood, researchers have identified several risk factors for rectal cancer, including:
- A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- A personal family history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colorectal cancer polyps
- An inherited gene mutation, such as Lynch syndrome
- Advanced age (most rectal cancer cases are diagnosed after 50)
- Obesity
Treatment can include a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 49,990 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026. The rate of people being diagnosed with the disease has dropped overall since the mid-1980s, mainly due to increased screening and changing of lifestyle-related risk factors such as smoking, excess body weight and alcohol use.
What Are the Symptoms of Rectal Cancer?
The most common symptoms of rectal cancer include:
- Changes in the appearance or consistency of stool
- Passing stool more frequently than usual
- An inability to fully empty the bowels
- Pain when passing stool
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the rectum
How Is Rectal Cancer Diagnosed?
The best way to detect rectal cancer is through a colonoscopy. Screening for those at average risk should start at age 45.
