Colorectal Cancer Alliance

I’m inspired by the thought-leadership and action-oriented initiatives discussed at the American Cancer Society National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) (ACS NCCRT) annual meeting. I’m also honored that NCCRT has extended my position on its Steering Committee for another year. The ACS NCCRT annual meeting brings together a diverse collaboration of over 200 medical, advocacy, government, and corporate organizations to advance our common goal of enhancing awareness and utilization of colorectal cancer screening. This effort aims to reduce deaths from this preventable and treatable disease. Colorectal Cancer Alliance Kimberly McNeil Dionne Smith Christopher, PMP Richard Wender, MD Djenaba Joseph Cheryl Davis Steve Itzkowitz Emily Bell Kaitlin Sylvester #colorectalcancer #colorectalcancerawareness #colorectalcancerscreening #ACSNCCRT #NCCRT #NCCRT2024

We are at National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) this week. Alliance CEO, Michael Sapienza, moderated a panel with Dr. Joseph and Dr. Wender where they discussed and evaluated data on current and emerging colorectal cancer detection tests and invited participants to consider potential implications as patients and health professionals navigate this complex and changing landscape. “Looking at all of the screening tests and the benefits and barriers to each are incredibly important to getting more people screened and saving lives.” - Michael Sapienza #NCCRT2024

Take this quick and easy screening quiz ?? quiz.getscreened.org

Don’t miss out on finding your people, purpose, and support at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s national support conference. Registration for AllyCon 2024 closes at midnight tonight. Secure your spot ?? allycon.org

If you're experiencing symptoms of colorectal cancer or have any questions about screening, give us a call on our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. The Helpline is open Mon-Fri 9-5 ET.

Today is #WorldKindnessDay. You never know what someone could be going through from the outside — be kind.

"My name is Stephen and in 2014 I retired at the ripe old age of 64 and moved from NJ to Maine. I needed to get a new doctor so I found a local doctor in Maine and he suggested I get a colonoscopy. Of course I resisted but went through with it. After my colonoscopy, I was told they found a small insignificant polyp but it would be biopsied just the same. Three days later my life would change forever when I got the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and surgery was necessary to resect my rectum. It was a very difficult surgery but after 6 months with an ileostomy, everything was fine. Fast forward three years — my CEA blood work was through the roof. After some scans, it was determined that I had stage IV colon cancer that had metastasized to my liver. A years worth of chemo and surgery brought me to hearing the words "you are cured." Six years later I’m still cured and get tested every 6 months to make sure it stays that way. I couldn’t have made it through all of this without the incredible care of my loving family. I tell everyone keep the faith be diligent and live your life to the fullest." - Stephen G.

If you’re 45, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or are experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer. Take a short screening quiz ?? quiz.getscreened.org

Never write off symptoms — speak with your doctor. Take this short screening quiz ?? quiz.getscreened.org

"On June 23, 2023, at the age of 38, my life changed forever when I was diagnosed with colon cancer. In the spring of 2023, I began experiencing really painful headaches, dizziness, and ringing in my ears. I attributed the headaches and dizziness to the Georgia pollen, to hormones and lack of sleep with a four-month old baby, and exhaustion from working full time and running around after our three boys. The symptoms continued into the spring and early summer, but I kept pushing them off, trying to distract myself. Finally, my symptoms were too concerning and I scheduled an appointment with a neurologist. My dad encouraged me to ask the neurologist to run a full CBC blood panel while I was there. The neurologist called me a few hours after my appointment while I was at the office and told me to immediately get to an emergency room because my hemoglobin counts were so low. On Friday, June 23rd, I had a colonoscopy which revealed a mass in my colon that was likely cancerous. I had surgery on August 1st to remove the mass, which was biopsied and revealed Stage 2A cancer. I also had multiple rounds of bloodwork done to see if I had Lynch Syndrome or any other genetic issues that would be concerning for myself or my children. I am monitored regularly with bloodwork, CT scans, and annual colonoscopies, and will be for the foreseeable future. As a person of faith, I often think about how miraculous it was that my body was telling me something was wrong, through headaches, dizziness, and ringing in my ears (my "internal alarm" as my husband calls it), and this led to the discovery of my cancer. I am certain that I would not have paid attention to any signs or symptoms otherwise as a busy mom of four kids. Today, I am feeling the healthiest and happiest I have in many years. I am currently training for the New York City Marathon and am raising funds to support the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. I'm excited to continue raising awareness for colorectal cancer and the fact that it is increasingly impacting more young people. I look forward to completing 26.2 miles now that I am feeling healthy and to celebrate my 40th birthday!" - Julianna C. Julianna is running the NYC marathon today, cheer her on in the comments! ??♀?