Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Post

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

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

Getting screened for colon cancer can be as simple as that!📦 Take our screening quiz and learn more about your screening options at quiz.getscreened.org.

"I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in March 2022 at 47 years old, after seeing blood in my stool. I was Stage III — I did 5 Chemo Infusions over 15 weeks, and 25 days of radiation over 5 weeks. This was not easy, and it landed me in the hospital twice. I happily rang the bell signifying the end of treatment. After 2 surgeries in 2023, I was declared NED and I felt like I beat cancer. Well, I guess I didn't. Soon after I was diagnosed as Stage IV. 13 chemo infusions over 26 weeks and another 25 radiation days over 5 weeks is what followed. Now, I wait to see the results. More and more young people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and that is alarming. It will soon be the deadliest cancer in both men and women. It's crucial for people to know their family history of cancer and even polyps, as that can help get an earlier screening. Knowing the signs of colon cancer, like blood in your stool, is important to get you to a doctor. I ignored it thinking that I had a food allergy. I'm thankful to have the best army of supporters, from my amazing family, incredible friends, and some truly awesome coworkers. I will never stop living my life to the fullest and I will battle this until I can one day say that I'm a survivor. As an advertising and marketing executive, it is now my mission to educate and help others. Please know the signs and get screened. Colorectal cancer is preventable." - Seth T. If you are 45 or older, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing symptoms... get screened! Take our screening quiz and learn more about your screening options 👉 quiz.getscreened.org

Join colorectal cancer survivors Kim, Allison, and Paul for a discussion about survivorship as we look back on this month's observance! Plus, find out how you can help advance colorectal cancer survivorship.