Catherine O’Hara’s Death Highlights a Hidden Risk, Blood Clots Linked to Cancer
Whether you grew up in the 90s watching movies like Home Alone, or more recently, Schitt’s Creek, Catherine O’Hara made people laugh.
The actress tragically died on January 30, 2026 at the age of 71. The death certificate was released on February 9, 2026, revealing the cause was a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer listed as the underlying condition.
The rectal cancer wasn’t publicly known until the death certificate information became public. It suggests O’Hara was dealing with a private battle, kept out of the spotlight.
The medical elements behind the certificate
Pulmonary embolism is the medical term for a blood clot that blocks blood flow in the lungs. It can become life-threatening fast, especially when breathing suddenly becomes difficult.
As the Mayo Clinic states, urgent help is needed for unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting.
Rectal cancer forms in the tissues of the rectum and is often discussed under the broader umbrella of colorectal cancer.
Cancer and some cancer treatments can also raise the risk of blood clots, which matters when you’re trying to understand how the underlying condition connects to a pulmonary embolism.
The American Cancer Society notes that cancer can increase clot risk, and that prevention plans are sometimes discussed during treatment.
What should you watch for?
When it comes to symptoms for colorectal cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight the following:
- Blood in or on stools
- A change in bowel habits
- Diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t feel normal
- Ongoing belly pain or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they stick around, call a doctor.
Additionally, if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pains, or fainting, you should consider it an emergency and seek urgent care.
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