Colorectal Cancer Alliance

"Always listen to your body when the “check engine” light goes on. Advocate for yourself - don’t wait until the motor dies on you." - Suzie R. Don't ignore symptoms. Visit https://lnkd.in/ecDjKDv2 to learn more about common colorectal cancer symptoms.

In the Summer of 2011, Mike was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer after a routine colonoscopy. He was only 52 and while he had had symptoms for some time, he had been told by his primary care physician that he was too young to worry about things. As a result he put off getting screened for a bit. He had a colon resection to remove the cancer, and the surgeon was so sure he removed everything that Mike wasn’t referred to oncology. Unfortunately, the following year, a mass was found on his liver as well as spots on his lung and so he had a liver resection and right lobectomy in 2013. Mike and his wife were traveling in Scotland in 2017 when he got a near-death case of pneumonia and realized the worst - his cancer was back. His oncologist no longer had any next steps for him, and he started looking for a clinical trial. He was able to get into a drug trial that while not effective for the majority of participants, was very successful at treating his cancer. Within weeks of starting the trial, the spots remaining on his lungs had shrunk significantly and have remained stable ever since. Today, Mike is doing well and lives in Texas with his wife. His children are now adults and know the importance of getting checked for colorectal cancer regularly. The entire family still gets together every year to participate in the Dallas - Ft. Worth Walk to End Colon Cancer to raise funds and awareness around colorectal cancer. Check out our events page for a walk or event near you 👉 https://bit.ly/Events-2024

After feeling sick for a prolonged period of time, Matthew went to the doctors. While originally diagnosed with diverticulitis, the doctors eventually found a five inch tumor in his colon. Matthew had stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized in his liver - he was given just six months to live. It has been three years since he was given just a few months to live and Matthew is still treating his cancer. While he has taken on surgery, chemo, and more to become cancer free, it continues to return. Matthew is a single father of a twelve year old that he wants to be there for. He wants to provide for her and be there for her emotionally, which he knows means he needs to get healthy physically and mentally. “The mental toll it takes on you is the hardest part and I went looking for a strong support system who knew what it was like to go through the same thing as me.” Matthew called the Helpline at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance looking for someone in a similar situation as him. He had sought support groups and group therapy after feeling isolated and lacking connection during his cancer treatment. The area of Illinois he lives in is pretty rural though and the support groups included older individuals who he struggled to relate to. Through the Alliance Matthew was connected with a Buddy Mentor named Dave who was also a dad who had also faced colorectal cancer. These programs are made possible by donors like you. This #SocialMediaGivingDay, consider a donation to the Alliance 👉 https://lnkd.in/eXrp7hch

An appeals court has reversed a district court decision that ruled provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that provide for no-cost preventive screening for CRC and other health issues were unconstitutional. The reversal halted a potentially devastating impact on colorectal cancer prevention. Read about it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eU53fjKK

Biomarkers are game changers in early and advanced (metastatic) CRC treatment. Imagine a world where a medical team can pinpoint the best colorectal cancer therapies for you or your loved one and avoid treatments that might not work. Biomarker testing makes it possible! Find out why your biomarkers matter and register for the next CRCtalks, happening live at 12 pm ET on July 22. Dr. Christopher Lieu, Co-Director of GI Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, will lead the conversation as we: 👉Discover what biomarkers are 👉Learn about the testing process 👉Decode the results 👉Get the facts on specific biomarkers 👉Plus more Registration is free but required. Register now 👉 https://lnkd.in/emZykdSY Thank you to Amgen Oncology for supporting CRCtalks.

"A lot of people still think colorectal cancer is only meant for old people. I went to the hospital after having blood in my stool for a couple months. Doctors initially thought stomach ulcers or hemorrhoids. They prescribed me some medication for ulcers, but I went back to the hospital after two weeks because I still had blood in my stool. They didn't suspect it was cancer. I got a few other opinions, and a colonoscopy was ordered. The colonoscopy revealed I had a rectal tumor. I had a CT scan, MRI, etc., and the doctor confirmed it was stage 2B1 rectal cancer at the young age of 31. I went through a few surgeries, the first leaving me with rectal vaginal fistula, and another ending with a loop colostomy. From there, I had 30 radiation treatments and 30 days of chemotherapy. I had my colostomy for 8 months. A few months later, my colostomy was reversed and check ups revealed NED! Though it's a milestone, my cancer journey has taught me the strength I never had before. I came to realize that no one is too young to have cancer. Another thing I learned is the power of love. My mother, daughter, friends, and other relatives gave me the support I needed to battle my diagnosis. No one should have to battle cancer alone." - Stella H. Take our colorectal cancer screening quiz and learn more about screening options at quiz.getscreened.org

Steve got his colonoscopy. Be like Steve! 👏 If you're 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should get screened. Take our screening quiz and learn more about your screening options at quiz.getscreened.org

"I was a 37 year old wife and mom with three small children when I was diagnosed with Stage IIIB colon cancer. I had two symptoms that only lasted about two weeks before I called a doctor — constipation and bleeding every time I used the bathroom. It wasn’t much blood so I thought that the constipation was causing the bleeding and I actually made the mistake of self-diagnosing via Google. After searching my symptoms online, I was convinced that I had fissures and that it would go away on its own. After about a week and a half of bleeding and discomfort when I used the restroom, I gave in and called the doctor. Once I had a colonoscopy, they determined that I needed a colon resection and 12 chemotherapy sessions. I don’t have a family history of colon cancer. Listen to your body. If something feels off, make that appointment to get checked out. It’s way better to get checked out and find out that there is nothing wrong than to self diagnose and potentially ignore a bigger problem. Thank God, I am now going on 4 years cancer free." - Giselle Take our screening quiz and learn your options at quiz.getscreened.org

"On January 9th, 2023, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC colon cancer after being in the ER with stomach pain on Christmas Day 2022. I had signet ring cell adenocarcinoma which is rare and aggressive. I was in the hospital for two weeks on a liquid diet and had to have an emergency surgery. They removed the right side of my colon after a tumor was found during the colonoscopy. I had an amazing surgeon, oncologist, and medical team, but it was terrifying to say the least. I had a port put in my chest and had 12 rounds of FOLFOX chemotherapy (had to wear a pump for 48 hours after each treatment) from Feb-July all while working full time and managing Myasthenia Gravis. There were many side effects; my hair thinned, and I could only eat certain home cooked foods for the first few months. I finally gained back the 20 pounds I lost and am healthier overall, but I still have constant neuropathy in my feet which causes discomfort at times when I walk. I was officially considered NED in July after having 7 clear ctdna (blood) tests, clear CT scans, and a clear colonoscopy in December. I will be closely monitored every 3 months for at least 2-3 years, if not longer, due to the nature of the cancer I had. I couldn’t have done this without the love of my wonderful husband, Jobez. He is my rock. He prayed over me and took care of me with love, strength, and patience. I am forever grateful. My parents were amazing in support every step of the way, being there for my treatments, and making sure we had home cooked meals. My family stepped up and showed me so much love. I had so many motivational and uplifting conversations, many calls, texts, gifts, food, and support from in-laws, old/new friends, coworkers, and church family. ️️️I am doing so much better now, but will never be the same. Some may think that when treatment is over, everything is normal when it’s far from it. The trauma doesn’t just disappear. I am actively working on healing and peace through prayer, therapy, and staying close to those who truly have my back." - SeAndrea After treatment has completed, colorectal cancer survivors may face physical, emotional, and social issues. While you may be relived to have your treatment completed, adjusting to your "new normal" can take some time. We have useful resources that can help during this phase of recovery. Visit https://lnkd.in/ebfE-yae for resources, or give us a call on our free helpline at (877)-422-2030 (available Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM ET).

Through the service of nearly 2,000 volunteers across the country, the lives of colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers are greatly improved, and we grow closer to ending this disease together. In this Q&A, get to know Abby Bernhardt and Heather Potthast, passionate and dedicated Colorectal Cancer Alliance volunteers from Virginia, and consider becoming one yourself 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6W4G3PY