Colon Cancer Coalition

In the uncertainty of the COVID-19 outbreak, the 

 recommends that anyone currently living with 

 and patients experiencing treatment delays 

should not assume that care is unavailable

. If you are experiencing blood in their stool, significant unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits, among other symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible and any colorectal cancer patient living with a treatment delay should advocate for yourself with your care team. 

We support the action of health care facilities across the country to defer elective screening colonoscopies, not only to help deploy health care resources to those in greatest need, but also to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for patients and providers alike. As elective procedures begin to become more available, it is vitally important for individuals experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer to proactively reach out to their provider for help and to determine what 

care or diagnostic evaluations are appropriate

. There are now many telemedicine options available to help determine how urgent your issues may be and what treatment options are appropriate.

In addition to the stress of living through a global health pandemic, the colorectal cancer patient community, like others managing cancer, is experiencing additional anxiety with delays in care and added concerns about their risk of contracting COVID-19. We encourage all cancer patients to talk with their care team about their risk and how a delay in treatment may or may not impact their care and outcomes, and to determine what care can be done through telemedicine without frequent visits to care facilities. 

Make a record of your symptoms, including how long you have been experiencing them. 

Write down any risk factors you have, your family history of gastrointestinal disease, etc. Make sure to have these items handy during your telemedicine appointment.

If a colonoscopy is unavailable to you at this time ask if an at-home stool-based test is appropriate for your symptoms.

Determine what the follow-up care will be should the at-home stool-based test come back with a positive result. 

For current cancer patients experiencing delays in care:

Ask why your treatment is delayed and what risks may be associated with that delay. 

Ask if there are alternative chemotherapy treatments that can be used in the short term that do not require treatment in an infusion center or if care is available at a facility outside of the hospital. 

If visits to the infusion room are required, request appointments at off peak times and find out what precautions you should take in advance of the visit and while you are there. Many infusion centers are limiting visitors, find out what your treatment center’s policy is.

Multiple symptoms or persistent symptoms lasting more than two weeks need to be evaluated by a physician. Don’t wait to call and talk to a medical professional about your concerns.

Patients looking for connection and support may find that in 

, an online community of more than 100 “secret” groups (or neighborhoods) on Facebook. This community is an online home for colorectal patients, survivors, and their carepartners alike. Every neighborhood is nurtured by a Neighborhood Host (or several), themselves living the experience.

Articles

People experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms or delays in colorectal cancer care should address these questions with their care team.
 

Colorectal Cancer Patients Should Not Assume that Care is Unavailable

51% of Americans 50-54 have not been screened for colorectal cancer. We know screening saves lives. Often the hardest part of screening is picking up the phone to make the appointment. If you are over 45 and have not been screened, here are 5 reasons to make that call now.

 Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the country. But it doesn’t have to be! A colonoscopy can detect and remove colon polyps before they become cancer, 

 the disease from occurring. If you are unable to have a colonoscopy there are also several inexpensive stool-based tests that can be done in the privacy of your own home. 

 Imagine you could have stopped colon cancer, but you didn’t. Your family needs you now and in the future. Schedule your screening, and then talk to your family about the results.

Early stage colorectal cancer may not have symptoms.

 There is a 90% 5-year survival rate when the disease is caught in 

. That number drops to about 10% when it is diagnosed in late stages. Only 40% of patients nationwide are diagnosed with early stage disease.  

 A colonoscopy screening is good for 10 years! If your colonoscopy shows no polyps you don’t need to go back for 10 years. If you could find a car maintenance plan that efficient, wouldn’t you sign up on the spot?!

One day of prep beats months (or years) of treatment.

 Ask any colorectal cancer survivor and they will tell you that picking up the phone and making the appointment and the prep required for a colonoscopy is 

compared to recovering from invasive abdominal surgery followed by chemo and radiation treatments. You have no excuse. MAKE THE CALL!

If you’re worried about colonoscopy prep, take a look at these 

 in young adults. Talk to your doctor about your experiences, make sure that you are heard and your symptoms are evaluated. Not happy with the answers you receive? Seek a second opinion. 

51% of Americans 50-54 have not been screened for colorectal cancer. We know screening saves lives, here's why.

Colon Cancer Coalition

Colorectal Cancer Patients Should Not Assume that Care is Unavailable

Five Reasons to Check Your Colon

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