Catherine O'Hara's rectal cancer prompts hope for greater awareness

A British Columbia colorectal cancer survivor says news that Catherine O'Hara had rectal cancer listed as the long-term cause of death may open up more public conversation and reduce stigma around cancers below the waist.

A British Columbia woman who was treated for colorectal cancer says she hopes news about Catherine O'Hara's diagnosis will encourage more conversation about the disease. Mary De Vera, an epidemiologist and colorectal cancer survivor, was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2016 and is nearing her 10-year anniversary. A Los Angeles County death certificate lists a pulmonary embolism as the immediate cause of O'Hara's death on Jan. 30 and rectal cancer as the long-term cause. Advocacy groups in Canada and the U.S. have used the news as an opportunity to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Key reported facts: - Mary De Vera was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2016 and has since focused research on colorectal cancer in younger adults and long-term effects for young survivors. - A Los Angeles County death certificate lists pulmonary embolism as the immediate cause of Catherine O'Hara's death on Jan. 30, 2026, and lists rectal cancer as a long-term cause. - Colorectal Cancer Canada reported about 25,200 Canadians were affected in 2024 and described colorectal cancer as the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canada. - BC Cancer reported colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canada and estimated about 3,515 new cases in British Columbia in 2026. - Health Canada reports that 47 per cent of colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed at Stage 1 or 2 and recommends screening for average-risk adults aged 50 to 74. - A surgical oncologist quoted in the article described the fecal immunochemical test as a screening tool done every two years with colonoscopy used to investigate positive results, and noted early colorectal cancer is often treated surgically while more advanced cases may involve chemotherapy or radiation. Summary: Advocacy groups and survivors say the reporting on Catherine O'Hara's death has created an opening for more public discussion of colorectal and rectal cancer and the stigma that can accompany cancers below the waist. Mary De Vera and others cited the chance to increase awareness about how common the disease is and the importance of discussing symptoms and screening. Undetermined at this time.