Coping with Colon Cancer: Emotional Support and Resources

A colon cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for both patients and their loved ones. In addition to the physical demands of treatment, many people struggle with feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation as they navigate the complex journey of cancer care. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources and support systems available to help you cope with the emotional impact of colon cancer. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies for finding emotional support and resilience during your cancer journey.

Common Emotional Responses to Colon Cancer

Everyone responds differently to a cancer diagnosis, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel. Some common emotional responses to colon cancer may include:

1. Shock and disbelief: It's normal to feel stunned or numb when you first receive a cancer diagnosis, and it may take time for the reality of the situation to sink in.

2. Fear and anxiety: Many people experience fear about the future, worry about treatment side effects, or anxiety about how cancer will impact their daily lives and relationships.

3. Sadness and grief: A cancer diagnosis can trigger feelings of sadness, loss, or grief, particularly if you have to make significant changes to your lifestyle or plans for the future.

4. Anger and frustration: Some people may feel angry or frustrated about the unfairness of their diagnosis, or about the challenges and limitations that cancer imposes on their lives.

5. Loneliness and isolation: Cancer can be an isolating experience, particularly if you feel like others don't understand what you're going through or if you have to limit your social activities due to treatment.

It's important to acknowledge and validate these emotions, and to seek support from loved ones, healthcare providers, or mental health professionals when needed.

Strategies for Coping with the Emotional Impact of Colon Cancer

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with the emotional challenges of colon cancer, there are several strategies that many people find helpful:

1. Educate yourself: Learning more about your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect can help you feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown. Be sure to get information from reputable sources and discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare team.

2. Express your feelings: Find healthy ways to express and process your emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.

3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional needs is essential during cancer treatment. This may include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, engaging in gentle exercise, and making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Connect with others: Joining a support group for people with colon cancer can provide a sense of community and understanding, and can be a valuable source of information and coping strategies. Many hospitals and cancer centers offer support groups, or you can find virtual groups online.

5. Seek professional help: If you are struggling with persistent or severe emotional distress, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in working with cancer patients. They can provide additional coping strategies and support tailored to your individual needs.

Emotional Support Resources for Colon Cancer Patients

In addition to the support of loved ones and healthcare providers, there are many organizations and resources available to provide emotional support and guidance for people with colon cancer:

1. American Cancer Society: Offers a wide range of information, support programs, and services for cancer patients and their families.

2. Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Provides support, education, and advocacy for people affected by colorectal cancer.

3. Cancer Support Community: Offers free support groups, educational workshops, and resources for cancer patients and their loved ones.

4. National Cancer Institute: Provides comprehensive information about colon cancer diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies.

5. CancerCare: Offers free counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance for cancer patients and their families.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FACE COLON CANCER ALONE

Coping with the emotional impact of colon cancer can be a challenging and ongoing process, but it's important to remember that you don't have to face this journey alone. By reaching out for support, practicing self-care, and utilizing the many resources available, you can build resilience and find moments of joy and meaning even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

If you are struggling with the emotional aspects of colon cancer and need additional support, don't hesitate to contact me to schedule a consultation. As a healthcare provider with experience in supporting cancer patients and their families, I am here to listen, provide guidance, and connect you with the resources you need to thrive.

Remember, your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health during cancer treatment and beyond. By prioritizing your mental health and seeking support when needed, you can cultivate the strength and resilience to face the challenges of colon cancer with courage and grace.

Is a Colonoscopy Screening Worth It?

Hey friends, 

Did you know?  

In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. It's expected to cause about 53,200 deaths during 2020.

The American Cancer Society predicts 17,930 new cases of colorectal cancer within the under-50 population and 3,640 deaths in 2020.

What can you do?

A colonoscopy screening can prevent over 90% of deaths related to colon cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends that screening should begin at age 50 for those who have no predisposing symptoms.

Recently, the American Cancer Society recommended lowering the screening age to 45, in order to catch a good percentage of the younger people whose risk may be increasing. (Chadwick Boseman’s death underscores colorectal cancer increase in younger adults and health gaps for African Americans)

Patients at high risk—notably those with a family history, a known genetic risk, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain other disorders—should start earlier.  

What are you afraid of?  

A lot of people are unaware of their need to be screened with a colonoscopy. And even worse, many know they need it, though they are afraid of the procedure.  

Please, don’t be scared.  And please don't be stubborn. Do yourself and your family a favor and strongly consider giving me a call so we can take care of you.  And if you're under the recommended age of 50, please share this and encourage a loved one.  

I know 2020 has been a tough year but let’s try to close it as healthy as possible.

It's a proven lifesaver.  And I'll be by your side the entire time.

Live well, 

-- Dr. Dale

The Elderly & Colon Cancer

This is interesting.  Please be share with your elderly friends and family. -- Dr. Dale

Older Patients Fare Less Well After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

By David Douglas

April 15, 2014

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although there's been a reduction in US colorectal cancer operations as well as improved outcome in recent years, the elderly still don't do as well as younger patients, according to California-based researchers.

As Dr. Michael J. Stamos told Reuters Health by email, "Although we were pleased to observe an overall decrease in the number of cases performed as well as a steady decrease in mortality, the risk adjusted mortality and morbidity of the elderly group remains substantially higher than the younger cohort."

In an April 9th online paper in JAMA Surgery, Dr. Stamos and colleagues at the University of California, Irvine note that an estimated 50% of all cancers and 70% of all cancer deaths occur in the elderly.

"With the 'graying' of the US population," continued Dr. Stamos, "more elderly patients can be expected to seek care, including for colorectal cancer. We therefore aimed to examine the trends and outcomes of colorectal cancer resection in the elderly by comparing patients over 65 years with patients between 45 and 64 years old."

The investigators used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2001 to 2010. Over half (63.3%) of the more than 1 million patients estimated to have had colorectal cancer resection were more than 64 years old and 22.6% were 80 years old or older.

Elective laparoscopies were much more frequent in patients under 65 compared to those age 80 and above (46.0% vs 14.1%).

Patients age 80 and older were also 1.7 times more likely to undergo urgent admission than those younger than 65 years. Moreover, the older patients were more likely to stay at least 2.5 days and have hospital charges that were almost $9500 higher.

Over the study period, mortality decreased by a mean of 6.6%, with the most considerable decrease observed in the population 85 years old and older (9.1%).

Nevertheless, there was higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality with advancing age. The odds ratio ranged from 1.32 in patients aged 65 to 69 to 4.72 in those age 85 and older. Corresponding ratios for risk-adjusted morbidity were 1.25 and 1.96.

The researchers conclude that the data will help surgeons counsel patients and will "also reveal a demand for a reevaluation of current care patterns, reinforcing the need for future studies to account for the changing population landscape."