When you are first diagnosed with cancer, you may feel overwhelmed with information. Knowing what to focus on will help your thoughts feel more organized.
Whether you are a patient or a caregiver, these ten tips will be helpful when you are first facing a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Ask questions about your diagnosis. Bring someone to take notes during office visits, or record them to listen later. Expect the unexpected: it’s normal to face changes and challenges during treatment.
Your treatment may need specialized experts. A surgeon, oncologist, social worker, fertility expert, and others may work together on your care team. Your doctor can help you build the right one.
Ask your doctor about: Biomarker testing Genetic testing for inherited conditions Clinical trials
Seek opinions from experts who take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Find these experts at teaching hospitals or the National Cancer Institute.
Caregivers receive a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming. Allow yourself guilt-free time and find ways to reduce stress when you can.
Coping with life while you are going through colorectal cancer treatment can be hard. Accept help when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for the specific help you want and need.
Support resources that can guide you include: Patient and family navigators Our peer-based Buddy Program Cancer Support Community’s Helpline
A new cancer diagnosis can feel isolating. Our Alliance Online Community offers a national network of survivors and advocates stand ready to be your ally.
Manage stress, maintain a balanced diet, and get regular exercise to gain control, an emotional uplift, boost your energy, and reduce stress. Don't let the cancer-related thoughts consume you. Allow yourself to take time away from the disease.
Learn about: Your insurance plan and its benefits. Find out how your employer will handle your time away from work. Ways to manage the costs of cancer care.
hrough Project Cure CRC, the Alliance is fueling bold, early-stage research with the potential to transform colorectal cancer treatment. Dr. Lisa Mielke’s groundbreaking work explores how the gut’s immune system and nerve signaling influence cancer growth—opening the door to new therapeutic approaches, including repurposed existing drugs. This is what’s possible when promising ideas get the support they need to move forward.
After a grim prognosis, biomarker testing revealed a targeted treatment option for John E. Learn how knowing your biomarkers can change what’s possible.
When Kate Shin’s mother faced rectal cancer, clinical trials gave them precious time together. Now, Kate shares her story to encourage access to screening and innovative care, including clinical trials.