RESOURCES FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS

If you have recently been diagnosed with colon, rectal or anal cancer you probably have quite a few questions and some worries. This section aims to help you find the answers and information you need, by directing you to the appropriate pages of our website.

The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. CCA's patient support program has grown from our goal to be the "Voice of Survivors." We offer the most current information on screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as an expansive support community.

Getting the Facts
Colorectal Cancer Overview
Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. Sometimes it is called colon cancer, for short. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus. After diagnosis, the next step will be to meet with a colorectal surgeon or an oncologist depending upon your situation. The official staging will take place after surgery with the exception of metastatic disease.

Staging
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within the colon/rectum or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment.

Build Your Colorectal Cancer Treatment Dream Team Workbook
Newly diagnosed patients and their loved ones will appreciate this workbook that walks through how to coordinate your care across medical specialties.

Treatment Options and Managing Side Effects
Treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon or rectum and the stage of the disease. Treatment for colorectal cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiation therapy. Some people have a combination of treatments. Treatment for colon cancer is sometimes different than treatment for rectal cancer.

Resource Center
CCA provides downloadable documents, materials, resources, treatment tools and a list of other helpful organizations in a variety of areas. Please look through our Resource Center for more information about colorectal cancer.

Regional Seminars, Webcasts and Podcasts
CCA seminars (Conversations About Colorectal Cancer) are intended for the newly diagnosed, advanced disease patients, long-term survivors, caregivers, family and friends. CCA Webinars are an opportunity to link national experts in colorectal cancer and other related fields to people in the comfort of their own home.

Financial Issues
Many communities also have local resources such as churches and civic organizations, the United Way, American Cancer Society, etc., that should be investigated.

National Cancer Institute
The NCI-designated Cancer Centers deliver medical advances to patients and their families, educate health-care professionals and the public, reach out to under served populations, deliver state-of-the-art cancer research and patient care facilities.

You are Not Alone
Buddy Program
Living with uncertainty is the biggest challenge for any person faced with a cancer diagnosis. Even the most close-knit families need outside support — and who better to provide that support than others who have been there, or are there now?

Help Line – 877-422-2030
CCA is managed by an experienced staff and a core of volunteer board members located around the country. Many CCA staff members have a personal understanding of colorectal cancer—as either a survivor or caregiver. Their experiences with the disease further their commitment to increasing prevention, raising awareness and providing support. CCA can help.