Blue Ribbon Info

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as well as National Social Worker Appreciation Month. Both subjects are cause for celebration, but for different reasons of course...

Colorectal cancer incidences have been decreasing over the last two decades, and is now listed as the third most common cancer in men and women, where it used to rank in the number two spot. Screening tests have increased in availability and accessibility, and have played a significant role in this change.

Specifically, colorectal cancer screening tests that allow for the detection and removal of polyps have been found to be highly effective in preventing cancer. These polyps - whether or not they are cancerous upon removal - have been shown in research to eventually progress into colon cancer. Removing them when they are first seen has become standard procedure and is saving lives.

Colorectal cancer is difficult to detect in early stages without the aid of a test such as the colonoscopy, since it doesn't typically show any distinct symptoms. Advanced disease can be indicated by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss. In some cases, loss of blood caused by the cancer can lead to anemia which causes its own symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under fifty years of age, so any of these symptoms in someone in that age bracket should cause enough concern to warrant a visit to the doctor for screening.

Current recommendations for colon cancer screening say to begin at age 50 for anyone at average risk for developing the disease. Recommendations on type of test and time interval changed in 2008 based on the American Cancer Society's collaboration with several other organizations. For the breakdown of the new recommendations click here.

Social Workers are the life-blood of many non-profit organizations - especially those, like Hope Cancer Resources, that provide services to people in the community. Not only do our social workers provide navigation for cancer patients who request assistance from us, but they also network into the community to help a patient find assistance that is not within the scope of our organization's mission.

Our services are provided to patients who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives - cancer treatment. Not only can the disease and the treatment drain an individual's body of strength and stamina, but the emotional toll it takes on someone who has trouble finding the light at the end of the tunnel can be just as devastating. Our social workers address patients' emotional needs instantly, the very first time they meet with patients, and for some patients that's one of the most important services they receive: the providing of hope. Perhaps these quotes from grateful patients say it best:

"We thank you so very much for being there for Fred when we didn't think we had any hope." -- MSW

"I do not have the words to express how much you have meant to me and my family. Not only have you helped us financially, but you have also met so many emotional needs. Thank you does not seem like enough, but it is all I know to say."  -- KT

"Your generous assistance is so appreciated. Your help will not only help me with expenses, but help alleviate some of the stress and tension caused by such worries. Thank goodness for organizations like yours, ... literally saving patients from some of the stresses that can hinder recovery. Thank you!"  -- RR

We are proud of the work our social workers do every day to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas, and we honor all the social workers doing their work throughout the country. Take a minute to thank a social worker you know this week... you might meet one at your child's school, at the hospital, at the nursing home, at the local food bank or shelter, or even at a church or public service organization office. They're all doing great work every day.

March Colon Cancer Awareness

For many years, we have been spreading the word about colon cancer screenings and their potential to save lives. Recently, our claims were backed up in the New England Journal of Medicine. According to an article printed in the New York Times, the results of a research study show a correlation between colonoscopies with polyp removal and a 53% reduction in deaths from the disease. The five-year survival rate for colon cancer found in an early, localized stage is 90%. Now, we just have to convince more people to get screened.

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is the third most common cancer in both men and women as well as the third most deadly. While incidence rates have been decreasing for most of the past twenty years (colon cancer used to be the number two cancer killer), increased awareness and prevention education is still vital because early stages of the disease do not typically show any symptoms. And, while the number of total diagnoses has been declining, the number of younger adults being diagnosed has been on the rise. Knowing your risks, the symptoms, and how to get screened in a timely manner is potentially life-saving knowledge.

"What are my risks?"
The biggest risk of colon cancer is associated with age. According to the American Cancer Society, 91% of cases are diagnosed in people 50 years of age and older. Other medical or hereditary factors that increase your risk include a family history of the disease, a personal history of other colon-related diseases such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and certain inherited genetic conditions. Studies have also found that people with type-2 diabetes are at higher risk.

Non-medical, and easily modifiable risks include obesity, physical inactivity, a diet high in red or processed meats, alcohol consumption, long-term smoking, and possibly very low intake of fruits and vegetables. Consumption of milk and calcium and higher blood levels of vitamin D appear to decrease colorectal cancer risk in research studies.

"What are the symptoms?"
As we mentioned before, early stages of colon cancer typically do not show any symptoms, which is why screenings are so important. More advanced stages of the disease may cause rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, and cramping pain in the lower abdomen. In some cases, anemia can result from blood loss within the bowel, which would cause symptoms such as weakness and excessive fatigue.

Recommendations:
Beginning at age 50, your doctor should start encouraging you to get a colonoscopy. If the results show no polyps or areas of interest, you should plan to schedule another screening in ten years unless you have risk factors that would suggest more frequent follow up screenings. Discuss your personal follow up plans with your physician.

Another screening option is the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) that can be done at home in the privacy of your own bathroom. Throughout the month of March we have FOBT kits available at no cost. Simply stop by our office at 5835 W. Sunset in Springdale to pick one up, and follow the directions on the package.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above in yourself or your loved ones, you should pursue evaluation by a medical professional as soon as possible. If your doctor prescribes a screening test and you are unable to pay for one, contact our Save-A-Life program coordinator, Christina Bostian, for information on how to apply for assistance from Hope Cancer Resources. We're here for Northwest Arkansas with support for the journey and education for life. 

Prevention and Early Detection Save Lives!!

We've been talking a lot lately about prevention and early detection being important keys to reducing your risk for cancers of any type, but this month we're backing up that talk with action! We are providing free colon cancer screening kits to anyone in Northwest Arkansas who asks for one, so come by to pick one up! In fact, be a true friend and get one for everyone you know. Sure, that sounds a little weird, if not downright awkward... handing out colon screening kits isn't something you usually do after a great session of Zumba with the girls or a couple of rounds of golf with the guys. But we're talking about a cancer that kills approximately 50,000 Americans each year. 

Here are a few myths from the American Cancer Society about colorectal cancer that might make it easier to consider a screening:

Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease. 

Truth: Colorectal cancer is just as common among women as men. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, it is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. - number 3 on the lists for both men and women.

Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.

Truth: In many cases colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests find polyps: double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:

• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.

Myth: African Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.

Truth: African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other U.S. racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.

Myth: It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.

Truth: Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it is found and treated early (while it is small and before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.

The screening kits we have available are easy to use, and did we mention they're FREE??

And just as a reminder, here's where we talk about signs and symptoms of colon cancer. No matter your age, if you are experiencing any of these please talk to your doctor and get screened. Younger people are often diagnosed in later stages of the disease just because their symptoms were mis-diagnosed. You owe it to yourself and the people who love you to do what you can to prevent cancer.