Navigating Colorectal Cancer – The Role of Screening and Support

Awareness months, like this month’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, play a crucial role in spreading knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, screenings and more because early detection saves lives. Through this column, I aim to highlight various awareness months throughout the year in hopes of sparking conversations and encouraging people to take action.

Colorectal cancer, a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum (both parts of the digestive system), often begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. Over time, if undetected and untreated, these polyps can become cancerous.

The Importance of Screening 

Screening is key and should begin at age 45 with tests like colonoscopy, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer. However, some people may need to start screening earlier based on risk factors such as personal or family history and other gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and genetic syndromes (like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or Lynch syndrome). It’s important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the best screening plan for you.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss.

Support Through the Lee Health Cancer Institute

For those diagnosed with colorectal cancer, navigating treatment can feel overwhelming. The Lee Health Cancer Institute offers oncology nurse navigators—a dedicated member of the care team who helps guide patients through the treatment process at no cost. These professionals provide education, support and assistance in overcoming barriers to care.

Jennifer Snider, RN, is one such oncology nurse navigator, assisting patients with colorectal cancer as well as cancers of the stomach, pancreas, liver, prostate, bladder, kidney and testicles.

“Our cancer patients may have multiple specialists, and it can be confusing at first to understand how all their providers work together,” Jennifer explains.

Education is a critical part of the process. 

“We provide education about the patient’s diagnosis and available treatments,” Jennifer says. “We also help patients navigate the healthcare system through either their insurance or programs we have available through community organizations and resources to help those who may not have insurance (or are underinsured). Our goal is to ensure that patients obtain treatment in a timely manner and that they have the support necessary to thrive.”

Jennifer says another important role of the oncology nurse navigator is to refer their patients to other valuable team members and resources, such as:

• Oncology dietitians who educate them on optimal nutrition to promote health.
• Cancer rehabilitation navigators who focus on helping patients achieve an optimal level of functioning during and after cancer treatment.
• Social workers who provide valuable emotional support by helping patients navigate the complex web of emotions that often accompany a cancer diagnosis or treatment.

The Lee Health Cancer Institute offers oncology nurse navigation for nearly every type of cancer. If you or a loved one could benefit from the support and compassion of an oncology nurse navigator, ask your doctor or healthcare provider for a referral or call 239-343-9500. You can also learn more at www.LeeHealth.org/our-services/oncology/nurse-navigation.

Take Action this Month

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs, symptoms and risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of colorectal cancer in adults under 55 has nearly doubled, increasing from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. It is now the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50 and the second leading cause in women under 50 in the United States. But it doesn’t have to be—early detection saves lives. Talk to your doctor and schedule your screening today.