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Beloved former child star Jay North, best known as the mischievous face of Dennis the Menace, has died aged 73 after a long and private battle with colorectal cancer. North passed away peacefully at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, surrounded by his wife Cindy and three stepdaughters, who, according to friends, 'gave him a family he never had'.

North captured hearts during his four-season run on the CBS sitcom from 1959 to 1963, based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham. Yet behind the infectious grin and comic mischief lay a difficult journey marked by private pain, both emotional and, in the end, physical.

Friends Remember a Kind-Hearted Star

His close friend Laurie Jacobson shared the news on Facebook, calling it 'terribly sad, but not unexpected'. Her husband, Lassie actor Jon Provost, added: 'You were a great guy, Jay, and I miss you with all my heart... I know you're at peace now.'

Despite his fame, Jay's off-screen life was marked by adversity. Raised without knowing his father and an only child, North was allegedly abused by his late aunt while filming the show, leading to deep psychological scars.

'Even if a delay wasn't my fault, she would find a way to blame me and punish me,' Jay once revealed. 'She isolated me from the cast. I couldn't even eat lunch with everyone else.'

Though he struggled with mental health throughout adulthood, including suicidal thoughts, Jay credited therapy and his mother's careful financial planning for giving him some stability. He later became a correctional officer and took comfort in letters from loyal fans, which Laurie Jacobson lovingly compiled and gifted to him at Christmas.

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What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that starts in either the colon or rectum. These cancers are often grouped together due to their similarities and are commonly referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they originate.

The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine, a key component of the digestive system. Colorectal cancer typically begins as a growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps are cancerous, certain types such as adenomatous polyps can become cancer over time if left untreated.

Over time, cancer can grow through the wall of the colon or rectum and spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The stage of the disease depends on how deeply the cancer has grown and whether it has spread.

Can Colorectal Cancer Be Prevented?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer, screening is one of the most effective methods for early detection and prevention. Screening can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they become malignant. Doctors generally recommend regular screenings starting at age 45, or earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease.

Lifestyle factors also play a key role in prevention:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a known risk factor, especially in men.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity reduces the risk of both polyps and colorectal cancer.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Emphasise fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red and processed meats.
  • Limit alcohol intake: Heavy drinking is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
  • Stop smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of many cancers, including colorectal.

Some studies also suggest that calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and folic acid may play a role in reducing colorectal cancer risk, though more research is needed.

Though Jay North left Hollywood behind, he remained an icon for generations of fans. He is remembered not just for his iconic portrayal of Dennis Mitchell, but for his resilience and kind-hearted nature. As Laurie Jacobson put it: 'He had a heart as big as a mountain.'

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