How to Raise Awareness About Colon Cancer

Colon cancer, which is a malignancy in the lining of the colon, is both preventable and treatable. Unfortunately, thousands still die each year, usually because they were diagnosed far into the cancer's progression. It is important to raise awareness of the disease and encourage early screening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

1. Let your voice be heard. Write a blog or consider volunteering with awareness organizations. This is especially valuable if you do not fall into the largest group of people who develop colon cancer: smokers over the age of 50. While most people start screening for colon cancer after age 50, over 10,000 new cases are reported each year in younger people. You can let people know that if they have a family history of cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), or if other personal risk factors are high, they should be screened as early as possible.

2. Share your diet tips. Join forums or support groups to discuss what has worked for you. If you are successfully living with colon cancer, usually your diet is an important factor. While the basics include adding more fruits and vegetables and eating less meat, you may have other tips that worked for you. You'll find many people searching in online forums for information to help them manage their cancer.

3. Make a donation or volunteer your time. The American Cancer Society is devoted to helping people who suffer from all types of cancer (see Resources below).

4. Join the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of colon and rectal cancer (see Resources below). Support its public awareness campaign aimed at early detection of colon cancer.

5. Be a part of the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation (see Resources below). This organization sponsors all kinds of activities that raise fund for cancer, and there are many ways you can contribute.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to keep you aware of new clinical trials he or she is participating in. Try to stay abreast of the latest research and treatment options.
• Thanks to the American Disabilities Act, discrimination in the workplace is almost obsolete, but raising awareness about colon cancer and patients' rights will help people return to work more comfortably.
• Not everyone reacts the same way emotionally to being diagnosed with cancer. Do not try to force someone to speak out or help you with your projects if that individual is not ready. Instead, try to help them cope with getting through the day first.

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