The Colon Cancer Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like colon cancer, you are never alone. Countless men and women have faced exactly the same diagnosis and have survived and thrived. The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge.

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best colon cancer resources: articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional and other challenges that you face.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this colon cancer guide even more helpful to survivors like you.

JUST FOUND OUT

Survivors Say: Best Resources for Colon Cancer

Survivors say these are the best resources for those who have just found out -- check them out to find out more about your options.

• American Cancer Society: Learn About Colon and Rectum Cancer The ACS is among the most authoritative sources on cancer in the U.S. You'll find all the basics on colon cancer to help you on your way to better understanding the disease and how to fight it.
• Mayoclinic.com: Colon Cancer Another good overview of the topic, from symptoms and causes through treatment and finding support.
• National Cancer Institute: Colon and Rectal Cancer In addition to covering the basics, the NCI site gives you the latest statisics and information about participating in a clinical trial.

The Big Picture

Colon cancer is cancer of the colon, or large intestine. If the cancer affects the last few inches of your colon, closest to the anus, it is considered rectal cancer. Colon cancer often begins with the development of non-cancerous (benign) clumps of cells known as adenomatous polyps, which are usually without symptoms.

It can be difficult to sort through all the information your pathologist (who will help make the diagnosis of colon/colorectal cancer) will share in his/her report, but that's where you should depend on your doctors, especially your oncologist, to help you understand what your next steps should be for treatment and beyond. 

The following article, from Oncolink.com, has an in-depth explanation of a colon cancer pathology report as well as detailed illustrations:

Understanding Your Pathology Report - Colon Cancer

Signs of colon cancer may vary, and sometimes they may not appear at all. Consider this list from Mayoclinic.com, and if you're concerned that you may have colon cancer don't hesitate to contact your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy (a screening test for colon/rectal cancer):

Colon Cancer - Symptoms

Your Colon Cancer

To better understand your diagnosis, it's good to find out more about the different stages of the disease:

Colon Cancer Stages - About.com

You may be eager for a second opinion after being diagnosed with colon cancer; that's natural and could be useful to making sure you feel as confident as possible about course of treatment you choose:

About.com: Colon Cancer - Second Opinions

This site has some questions to ask your doctor when you've just been diagnosed:

Caring4Cancer.com

Your World

This information from the American Cancer Society can help guide you through the emotional stress of being diagnosed with cancer: 

ACS - The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis

Sharing the news of your cancer diagnosis with children can be especially tough. Here's some help in how to tell them and when:

ACS: Talking with Children About Cancer

Colon Cancer Myths

• "Colorectal cancer is a man's disease." Five Myths About Colon Cancer - American Cancer Society
• "A polyp means I have colon cancer." 12 Myths About Colon Cancer - Medicalnewstoday.com
• "Colorectal exams (colonoscopy) are only necessary if you have symptoms of colon cancer." Colon and Rectal Cancer Myths Abound - HealthAtoZ.com

 

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors

Survivors say these are the best guides; check them out to find out more about your options:

• CancerCare.org CancerCare is an excellent source for finding answers to many of the questions you're likely to have now, and they have excellent support for patients and caregivers/co-survivors through the Web and by phone.
• Mayoclinic.com: Cancer Diagnosis? Advice for Dealing With What Comes Next This is no-nonsense advice to help anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
  

Types of Treatment

Surgery

Colectomy and/or rectal surgery is often needed to treat colon/rectal cancer. Here's more about the different kinds and what to expect with each:

American Cancer Society: Colon and Rectum Cancer - Surgery

Chemotherapy & Radiation

Chemotherapy, or drug treatment, may be used before or after surgery, depending on the stage and type of cancer. The drugs are often used in combination for maximum effect, and radiation may be added to your regimen as well:

• American Cancer Society: Colon and Rectum Cancer - Chemotherapy
  
• American Cancer Society: Colon and Rectum Cancer - Radiation

Possible Treatment Side Effects

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and other side effects, though how much patients are affected varies greatly.

CancerCompass.com: Side effects of colon cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

Surgery

Though surgery to remove a tumor is usually very effective in treating colon cancer, it, too, has side effects:

CancerCompass.com: Side effects of colon cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiation

Holistic Treatments

Read the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's summary of CAM treatments for cancer:

Cancer and CAM

Creating a support circle

• Set up your TSC survivor profile.
• Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own.
• Interact and provide updates.

Insurance, Work & Money Matters

Work and Money Matters

You may continue to work while undergoing treatment for colon cancer, though you may need periods to rest and recover, so that may mean discussing your diagnosis with your employer and even your coworkers. Here's how to protect yourself if you suspect you are being discriminated against:

American Society of Clinical Oncology: Cancer and the Workplace - Dealing With Discrimination

Health Insurance and Colon Cancer

When diagnosed with colon cancer, your first concern, of course, should be on treatment and fighting the disease. But if you have health coverage you'll also need to check with your insurer about your coverage to make sure you fully understand what's covered and what's not. Read the American Cancer Society's booklet for more on how to be a proactive patient:

ACS: Health Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient

Books Survivors Recommend

• American Cancer Society's Complete Guide to Colorectal Cancer
• The Colon Cancer Survivors' Guide, Second Edition: Living Stronger, Longer
• What To Do If You Get Colon Cancer: A Specialist Helps You Take Charge and Make Informed Choices

Communicating with Your Health-care Providers

• Be sure your health care providers understand your concerns and you understand theirs. This battle against colon cancer will be more successful if you are in agreement with those on your health care team.
• Always make your physician aware of health issues or new symptoms if any arise.
• Ask any questions you have, even if you think they're silly or obvious.

Dealing with Colon Cancer: Information for Co-Survivors

How you can help

• Help the survivor share the news  of their diagnosis with friends and family.
• Listen. You may have a lot to say yourself, but first be there to listen to the survivor.
• As your survivor moves into treatment, offer physical comfort and assistance, but don't try to do everything for them.

What to say

• "I am here for you."
• "I'll help you in any way I can."
• "If you just need someone to listen, please call me."

What not to say

• Try to avoid insensitive remarks, even if the survivor usually has a great sense of humor.
• "You've got to take better care of yourself!"
• "I know someone who died of colon cancer."

Things you can do for a survivor every day

• Sit with them and talk about things other than cancer.
• Help out around the house when they're undergoing treatment. If they have children, ask what they need to help with the kids.
• Let them know how much you love them and that you'll offer the support that they need.

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC co-survivor profile.
• Create a support group for your friend or family member.
• Interact and provide updates.

How to help a survivor deal with day-to-day challenges

• Work - Offer support and assistance when needed, especially on treatments days or when the survivor is recovering from a treatment.
• Family - Colon cancer survivors will need and appreciate help with young children and taking care of their home, especially when they're in treatment. Whether it's cleaning, running errands, or getting the kids out of the house so the survivor can get some rest, the little things are big helps.

Remission / Recovery / Recurrence

You'll find yourself experiencing a range of emotions on your journey with colon cancer. But once you've reached recovery you should feel proud of yourself for weathering the storm to become a survivor! 

Recurrence is always a possibility with cancer. No one wants to dwell on the negative, but it's important to understand recurrence:

American Society of Clinical Oncology: Dealing With Cancer Recurrence

As a colon cancer survivor, you'll want establish a lifestyle that promotes optimal health to your body. Developing an exercise regimen and focusing on proper nutrition will help in the fight against possible recurrence. Here, the National Cancer Institute sums up the latest thinking about prevention of colon/rectal cancer:

Colon and Rectal Cancer: Prevention, Genetics, Causes

In the event of recurrence, you may choose a more aggressive or a different type of treatment after discussing the options with your doctor. As with your first bout with colon cancer, treatment options will depend on the type of recurrence and the stage of the cancer. There's no greater encouragement than to hear the success stories of other colon cancer survivors; you'll find several at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America website:

Colorectal Cancer Survivors

You may also want to join the Colon Cancer Alliance's online community to share your story and support others with the disease:

You Are Not Alone: Online Colorectal Cancer Community

Give Back

As a colon cancer survivor you have the opportunity to offer a unique perspective to those who are traveling a similar journey. In fact, there is a wealth of personal wisdom you can offer to survivors and co-survivors simply by sharing your experiences. Those currently in the fight against colon cancer are in need of support and offering your own story can encourage others to thrive in the face of adversity.

 

Not every treatment for colon cancer results in recovery. When you're facing end-of-life and palliative care, there are many options to help you through this very difficult time.

When You're Facing Death

• American Cancer Society: Coping with Grief and Loss
• FamilyDoctor.org: Cancer - Palliative Care
• MedlinePlus: Hospice Care
• National Cancer Institute: Loss, Grief and Bereavement