Catherine O’Hara, the celebrated actress known for her iconic roles in Schitt’s Creek, Home Alone, and Beetlejuice, passed away on January 30th at the age of 71. Her death certificate, recently released, confirms the cause as a pulmonary embolism with underlying rectal cancer. This reveals a serious health complication that, while treatable, can be fatal if not promptly addressed.
What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel from elsewhere in the body, most often the legs. According to cardiologists, these clots obstruct blood flow, reducing oxygen levels and straining the heart.
Key Facts:
- Up to 900,000 people in the US may be affected by PEs or deep vein thrombosis annually.
- PEs are responsible for roughly 100,000 deaths each year, highlighting the urgency of early diagnosis.
The Link Between Cancer and Blood Clots
The presence of rectal cancer in O’Hara’s case underscores a critical connection: cancer significantly increases the risk of blood clots. Cancer cells release chemicals that promote clotting, cause inflammation, and even physically compress blood vessels, triggering PE. Chemotherapy, while life-saving, can also contribute by damaging blood vessel linings.
- Approximately 1 in 5 blood clots are linked to cancer or its treatment.
- PE is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients, surpassed only by the cancer itself.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Pulmonary embolism symptoms can be sudden and severe, but also subtle. Common signs include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sharp chest pain, worsening with breathing
- Fainting or dizziness
- Coughing up blood
- Rapid heartbeat
- Pale or bluish skin
In some cases, the first sign of a PE is sudden death, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the clot. Standard approaches include:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Prevent clots from growing and reduce new clot formation.
- Thrombolytics (“clot busters”): Rapidly dissolve clots, but carry a higher bleeding risk.
- Catheter techniques: Physically remove large clots.
- IVC filter: Prevents clots from traveling to the lungs.
For cancer patients, treatment may be long-term, given their ongoing risk.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Beyond cancer, risk factors include recent surgery, prolonged immobility, long-distance travel, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, and certain medications. Early detection and treatment are crucial; however, it is important to remember that cancer itself may also increase bleeding risks.
Catherine O’Hara’s death serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of pulmonary embolism, particularly in the context of cancer. Recognizing symptoms and seeking prompt medical care can significantly improve survival rates.
