Neal Meropol, M.D. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal reported that oncologists treating newly diagnosed colon cancer patients often do not comply with recommended protocols. The article examined the issue of how to evaluate physicians who treat cancer patients. According to a report by UnitedHealthcare, some patients with colon cancer receive tests and treatments [...]
The stories of cancer patients often inspire hope and courage, particularly when the disease hits those who are young and active. But those stories also offer important information about physical symptoms that warrant medical attention. Recently, WebMD published a list of warning signs most often ignored by women. The list included persistent [...]
In mid August, the Colon Cancer Coalition helped promote efforts by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Alert Network to bring the real voices of cancer survivors, caregivers and concerned citizens to the ears of legislators. A blog post at GetYourRearinGear.com, gave readers information about submitting their own voice messages to the organization. [...]
Jaimie Mattes is a remarkable 39-year-old colon cancer survivor. I say remarkable, because Jaimie has not been silent with his recovery. He has been loud. In 2008, he won the Get Your Rear in Gear Advocacy Award from the Colon Cancer Coalition. He also modeled for the 2009 Colondar and volunteered for a Minnesota Cancer [...]
Watch as Dick Woodruff, ACS CAN’s lead advocate in Washington, talks about his meetings with the White House and Congress as he negotiates for lower health care costs and to prevent people from being denied coverage because they survived cancer. Tell five friends to to stand with the American Cancer Society for better health care Share your [...]
With the health care reform debate heating up, it is critical that cancer survivors make our voices heard. Too many Americans who think they have good health insurance find out the hard way, when cancer strikes, that their coverage is inadequate. Survivors have delayed care, gone deeply into debt, drained lifelong savings or find they are [...]
Trying to navigate the onslaught of news stories about the swine flu epidemic can be confusing for anyone. But for those who are already dealing with a serious illness such as cancer, or for those caring for cancer patients, the information can be even more confusing. Terri Ades, director of cancer information at the American [...]
It’s nearly a taboo subject, talking about one’s guts, especially that very private, unmentionable space in the body that deals with outgo. No amount of crude remarks or “bathroom” humor can breakdown the walls that we have built around the topic of the rear end. We seem to associate the function it handles with a [...]
Today will not be the first time that you hear that March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It also won’t be the last. Since my sister was diagnosed 10 years ago, I’ve been trying to find my “role” and “responsibility” with “awareness” this month. As the president of the Colon Cancer Coalition, I should have [...]
The holidays can be a festive and joyful time. But for those going through cancer treatments, it can be stressful and full of anxiety. Treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, can be time consuming and exhausting. For many patients and their families the thought of preparing for the season may be more than they can handle.
