spotlight on health Colon CancerAlliance Urges Patients and Caregivers To Have “Conversations About Colorectal Cancer” (NAPSA)—Every four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis that can be overwhelming without appropriate information and support. For both newly diagnosed patients and those who have been living with colorectal cancer, access to key information is essential in learn- ing how to cope with their disease and treatment. A new educational workshopseries developed by the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) called “Conversations About Col- orectal Cancer” provides patients with the needed tools to help dis- cuss colorectal cancer with their doctors and loved ones. According to Amy Kelly, CCA Co-Founder and Executive Direc- tor, “Patients not only need to understand their cancer, they need to be prepared for what’s next, and an informative conver- sation with their health care provideris the first step to determining the best way to manage their diagnosis and treatment. Our program will offer patients help in communicating with their doctor, an essential part of manag- Colorectal Cancer Facts and Figures More than 148610 peoplewill be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2006 in the United States* A personis diagnosed with colorectal cancer every four minutes** 55,170 deaths from colorectal cancer are expected in the United States in 2006* Onepersonin the United Statesdiesof colorectal cancer every 9.3 minutes** Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-most commoncause of cancer death* One out of 18 people in this country will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime** e Although men and womenof any age may be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, more than nine in 10 new cases are diagnosed in people 50 or older* e African Americans are 10 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer than Caucasians* * Source: American Cancer Society ** Source: Colon Cancer Alliance side effects. In addition, patients and caregivers will have the oppor- tunity to listen to and support one “Conversations About Colorectal against colorectal cancer. “While talking to your doctor about cancer treatment is necessary, some patients may find it Cancer” program. The workshops, which will take place in 10 cities in 2006 and 2007, allow patients to hear from leading physicians on a range of topics, ranging from the latest treatment advances withtargeted therapies to managing their may have—andthat their health care providers are able to give them the time and understanding needed to answer their questions clearly and completely.” A Harris Interactive survey of more than 500 cancer patients and 300 oncologists revealed that patients who held in-depth discussions with their physicians about cancer topics knew more about their condition than those who did not have discussions with their doctor. In addition, the patients who did not speak to their doctors were also less informed about the possi- bility of treatment delays, infection, impact of low red and white blood cells, and proper patient education. New resources have been cre- ated as a part of “Conversations About Colorectal Cancer” to help patients understand more about their cancer and provide guidance on how to interact with their doc- @Q ing their disease that can sometimes be overlooked.” In order to help patients find hope and resources in their own communities, the CCA is hosting a series of local events as part of the patient care, so it is very important that patients feel comfortable approaching their health care providers with any questions they another in their collective battle difficult to do so,” said Dr. Allyson Ocean, medical oncologist at The tors. For more information on the workshopseries, and to access the patient resources, visit the CCA Web site www.ccalliance.org, or call (877) 422-2030. The Colon Cancer Alliance is a national patient advocacy organi- zation, with chapters located across the country, and is the official patient support partner of Jay Monahan Center for Gastroin- Katie Couric’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. The CCA is dedicated to ending the byterian Hospital/Weill Cornell cer. This educational workshop testinal Health at New York-Pres- Medical Center. “Good communication is a key component of suffering caused by colorectal canseries is funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Amgen.
