Catherine O'Hara's Tragic Death Sheds Light on Pulmonary Embolism Dangers in Cancer
The entertainment world mourned last month as beloved comedy actress and Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara passed away at age 71. Her cause of death has been confirmed as a pulmonary embolism directly linked to her battle with rectal cancer. This life-threatening blood clot, which blocks blood flow to the lungs, results in over 36,000 fatalities annually according to the American Heart Association, highlighting a critical health concern for cancer patients nationwide.
Understanding the Prevalence and Risk Factors
How common are pulmonary embolisms among cancer patients? The statistics may surprise many. Approximately three percent of non-hospitalized cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy die after suffering a pulmonary embolism. For hospitalized patients, this percentage rises significantly to around seven percent. The MD Anderson Cancer Center explains that the risk of clotting escalates as cancer progresses and spreads within the body, making vigilance essential.
Several cancer types are particularly prone to causing these dangerous clots. Colorectal cancer, which affected O'Hara, is one of them. Other high-risk cancers include:
- Acute leukemia
- Brain cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Gynecological cancers
These conditions impact millions across the United States, compounding public health challenges. Additional factors such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hospitalization, obesity, infections, certain medications, catheters, and other illnesses can also contribute to pulmonary embolism development in cancer patients. The MD Anderson Center notes that a single cause is sometimes never identified, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures since many contributing factors cannot be easily eliminated.
A Rising Prevalence Amidst Changing Cancer Trends
Rates of several cancers are increasing among young people, potentially leading to more pulmonary embolism-related deaths, even though overall cancer mortality in younger patients is declining. Colorectal cancer stands out as the only form of cancer that saw deaths rise from 1990 to 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. It is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals under 50 years old. Medical professionals continue to investigate the reasons behind this trend, with ultraprocessed diets and environmental factors frequently cited as contributing causes.
Studies focusing on pulmonary embolism deaths in cancer patients have revealed concerning increases. A 2025 study involving more than 27 million patients demonstrated a rise in related deaths from 2011 to 2020, despite overall cancer-related deaths decreasing during the same period. The authors stressed that these findings highlight a worrying increase in pulmonary embolism-related mortality among cancer patients, indicating an urgent need for further research and preventive interventions to improve outcomes.
Symptoms, Risks, and Survival Rates
Pulmonary embolisms can severely damage the lungs and strain the heart, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, elevated heart rate, excessive sweating, stabbing chest pain, bluish skin discoloration, and even loss of consciousness. O'Hara experienced breathing troubles before being rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles, California, on January 30, 2026, illustrating the sudden and severe nature of these events.
How concerned should cancer patients be about this risk? Pulmonary embolisms are notably common in lung cancer patients, as noted by researchers in China. However, several risk factors increase susceptibility. The MD Anderson Center identifies that older patients, those undergoing surgery, individuals who are immobile, obese, or have central venous catheters face heightened risks. O'Hara's risk was further compounded by a congenital heart defect called dextrocardia, which placed her in an even more vulnerable position.
Despite the dangers, there is hope. The MD Anderson Center reports that 90 percent of patients treated for pulmonary embolisms survive. However, they caution that a second embolism event is considerably more lethal, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and preventive care for cancer patients to mitigate risks and enhance long-term health outcomes.
