Colon Cancer awareness month
As the Founder of Cancer Teamwork Response, I am often asked which type of cancer patient requests I receive the most; and in my role with patients, colon cancer is at the top of the list. We've been shining a light every March since 2000 on colon cancer awareness, and we've been taught many ways to avoid it, but there is so much more to it. So here are some personal and professional insights I'd like to share...
My own mother, Millie "Forever" Young, died of colon cancer at age 71. Her cancer was missed through her colonoscopy. That's right. My own Mother was misdiagnosed. She is an important reason why Cancer Teamwork Response was born and why one of our founding principles is "get a 2nd opinion and get it at a research facility". Even with my extensive background of working inside hospitals, when she was diagnosed 15 years ago, I thought, as many of us do, "she's with a good doctor." I had never thought to seek a 2nd opinion that could have saved her life. Studies show that up to 40% of cancer diagnoses are either wrong or that patients may receive recommended adjustments made to their treatment protocol through a 2nd opinion. I understand that our hospitals are staffed with the expertise needed for our cancers. However, after the experience with my Mother, I now err on the side of caution and recommend a 2nd opinion at a research facility for cancer. So should you.
Researchers in medical research facilities spend their days/weeks/months/years studying specific cancers. When they see a patient, they have a full-spectrum team of sub-specialty doctors reviewing a patient's specific cancer. Most community hospital oncologists are generalists and can treat all cancers. However, a research facility, usually associated with a leading University, is broken into sub-specialty care; a colon cancer doctor does not treat breast cancers. Instead, their focus is spent researching their own specific area of expertise. There is a true sense of relief when a patient learns they are on the correct path with their cancer diagnosis, yet it can be overwhelming to realize there may be a conflict in treatment recommendations. Understanding the options available is more critical at the beginning of a diagnosis which is why 2nd opinions are so valuable. Many of the patients who find CTR for assistance are the patients who have been misdiagnosed and whose cancer has spread. A critical part of our mission is to help patients during their new diagnosis and not later during treatment.
During colon cancer awareness month, I will share CTR patient stories. We will hear from Tiffany regarding her misdiagnosed cancer. I will also speak of Mark, who was told there were no treatment options for his advanced colon cancer. Yet, his 2nd opinion resulted in options at the beginning of treatment inside a research facility.
Here are some suggestions when you or someone you know is facing a cancer diagnosis:
The American Cancer Society is an essential resource for guidance on preventing colon cancer.
Know where your closest research facility is to confirm or to get a 2nd opinion on your colon cancer diagnosis.
Bookmark www.cancerteamworkresponse.org in case you find a more personal need for guidance.
As a small nonprofit, we rely on the support of our community to spread the word about our services. Pay It Forward by sharing this blog post with your network and spreading awareness about our services.
Thank you for your continued support,
Candy Hammeras