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| Actor Adan Canto, 42, died after developing cancer of the appendix. (Photo by Jason Mendez/WireImage) |
Adan Canto, a star of the TV series "Designated Survivor" and "The Cleaning Lady," died from appendiceal cancer. The 42-year-old actor is survived by his wife Stephanie Ann Canto and two children, Roman Alder and Eve Josephine. Canto chose to keep his diagnosis private, expressing his deep spirit and the impact it had on those who saw it. His death was announced on social media with a tribute to him.
Appendiceal cancer occurs when the appendix, a small finger-shaped organ attached to the large colon, becomes cancerous. It is considered a rare form of colorectal cancer due to its location. Appendiceal cancer cells can also "seed" into the abdomen, potentially causing more cancerous tumors to grow. According to BC Cancer, appendiceal cancer accounts for less than 1% of all colorectal tumors or less than 1000 cancers a year across Canada.
There are different types of appendiceal cancer: carcinoid, which is the most common and slow-growing type, often producing symptoms unless they become malignant carcinoids and metastasize to other areas of the body. Appendix adenocarcinoma, which behaves most like colorectal cancer and can metastasize into the lympth nodes and bloodstream, is more likely to spread into the inside of the abdomen than carcinoid tumors. Goblet cell carcinomas (adenocarcinoid tumours) are more likely to metastasize into the inside of the abdomen than carcinoid tumors and can spread to the ovaries in women.
Detection of appendiceal cancer is difficult, as there are currently no screening tests available. In some cases, appendicitis or a ruptured appendix can lead to cancer detection "by accident" following appendix-related surgeries or during other abdominal procedures. Symptoms vary depending on the type of appendiceal cancer, but some may go undetected until they spread to other areas or cause apendicitis.
Risk factors for appendiceal cancer include being over 50, having a family history, and certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking.
