Organizations and Resources for Patient Empowerment

Staff
By Staff
5 Min Read
According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancers (also referred to as colorectal cancer) are among the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Colon cancer treatment and its side effects can take a physical toll, and coming to terms with a diagnosis can be emotionally draining.

Educating yourself and connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can help you prepare for the road ahead and feel less alone along the way. Various organizations and advocacy groups have expertise in colon cancer. Here are some of our favorite resources.

1. Colorectal Cancer Alliance

Founded in 1999, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy and research, with the ultimate goal of ending this type of cancer.

It offers many educational resources to help you advocate for your health:

It supports colon cancer research and participates in AllyCon, an event where patients, caregivers, and advocates attend information sessions and make powerful connections that will help them along a colon cancer journey.

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance also provides access to BlueHQ, an online hub that can connect you with patient navigators and other people with the disease. You can enroll for free online or call the toll-free helpline at 877-422-2030 for more information.

Stay connected with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance through its social media channels:

2. Colon Cancer Coalition

Since 2004, the Colon Cancer Coalition has been spreading awareness about colorectal cancer and encouraging early screening. Its goal is to raise community screening rates to 80 percent to help detect colon cancer early, when it’s highly treatable.

The Colon Cancer Coalition hosts events, such as the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk and the Tour de Tush Bike Ride, to raise funds locally that are then given back directly to these communities to promote access to screenings. It also provides community grants and funding to support these efforts.

The Colon Cancer Coalition offers educational materials about colon cancer on its website and blog. And it is home to Faces of Blue, a series featuring people impacted by colorectal cancer — patients, survivors, and their loved ones — who share their stories to bring people together and encourage the colon cancer community.

You can reach the Colon Cancer Coalition by calling 952-378-1237 or connecting on social media:

3. Colon Cancer Foundation

The Colon Cancer Foundation was established in 2008 to support research, spread awareness, increase education, and lead the fight against colorectal cancer.

Research is its main focus. The Colon Cancer Foundation promotes fundraising campaigns, with the proceeds used to grant awards to investigators and research societies to help advance our understanding of colon cancer.

Its website offers educational materials about colorectal cancer and survivorship, including information for younger patients. It also provides advice for people seeking financial aid, transportation assistance, and information on Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

You can keep in touch with the Colon Cancer Coalition by emailing [email protected] or connecting with it on social media:

4. Fight Colorectal Cancer

It offers these resources for patients and their loved ones:

The foundation hosts Colon Club, an online community that unites patients, caregivers, and families. There is a dedicated app for this community, too.

Fight Colorectal Cancer supports research and advocacy efforts for the colon cancer community. The annual fundraising hike Climb for a Cure donates proceeds to colon cancer research.

You can connect with Fight Colorectal Cancer by calling 703-548-1225 or emailing [email protected]. You can also follow it on social media:

5. Colontown

If you’re considering joining a Facebook group focused on colorectal cancer, look no further than Colontown. This free online resource can connect you with over 100 private Facebook groups based on your situation and circumstances. Each group is led by someone who has had colon cancer themselves and understands the unique challenges it may bring.

Founded by a colon cancer survivor, Colontown supports people with the diagnosis and their loved ones, and empowers them throughout their journey. You can learn more about colon cancer through its online Colontown University.

You can email Colontown at [email protected] or reach out through social media:

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