1986-born Chung Lim debuted in 2004 with K-Drama “I’m Sorry, I Love You”. His singing debut was in 2009 with his first EP, STEP. He was last seen in 2010 in Smile, Mom and had a guest appearance in the show. An actor who stole many hearts in several dramas, Chung Lim was regarded as the male version of Stairway to Heaven star Kim Tae Hee when he had debuted.
As of now, it is not known how long he was battling the disease but reports suggest he was fighting the disease for a long time.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that initiates small polyps from the inside of the colon. Over time, the polyps turn into cancerous cells. This is also known as colorectal cancer and is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. As per the data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, when the entire world was in the grip of the pandemic, almost 2 million cases of colon cancer were diagnosed. This cancer accounts for almost 1 million deaths every year.
Symptoms of colon cancer
Colon cancer is treatable when the symptoms are identified at the initial stage of the disease. The common symptoms of colon cancer are a persistent change in bowel habits, change in consistency of the stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, cramps, gas, pain, urge to empty stomach frequently, weakness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
WHO on artificial sweeteners, weight loss and diabetes: Key points
As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO’s cancer research arm, the burden of colorectal cancer– which includes the cancer of colon, rectum, and anus– is the highest in Asia; more than half of the cases and deaths related to this cancer are reported from Asia. To create more awareness around this cancer, March is observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The IARC has estimated that the global burden of colorectal cancer is expected to increase by 56% by 2040, which is more than 3 million new cases per year. “The estimated increase in the number of deaths from the disease is even larger, by 69%, to about 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2040,” the IARC says.
Unhealthy lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, human papillomavirus infection, and obesity increase the risk of developing this form of cancer. Intentional weight loss, physical activity, and diets rich in fish, fruits, and vegetables can decrease a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer, IARC says.