Resources

Resources

The following websites provide further information on colorectal cancer. It’s important to discuss your concerns and treatment and follow the instructions of your team of physicians.

Massachusetts residents might be interested with the following University of Massachusetts Medical School web sites. The first one is UMass Memorial Medical Center News/Events. The second is to make a donation,the third is the department of Colorectal Surgery,the fourth is colon and rectal surgery appointments, and the last two are about two scientists/physicians that conduct colon cancer research at UMass Medical School.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts – How Old Is Too Old for Colorectal Cancer Surgery?

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons – This is the premier society for colon and rectal surgeons and other surgeons dedicated to advancing and promoting the science and practice of the treatment of patients with diseases and disorders affecting the colon, rectum, and anus.

Colon Cancer Resource – This website is for anyone who has colon and rectal cancer and for their family and friends.

American Cancer Society – The ACS is Nationwide, community based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer,saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

C3: Colon Cancer Coalition– C3’s mission is to win the fight against colorectal cancer through research, empowerment, and access.

Colon Cancer Alliance – CCA is a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer. In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, CCA provides patient support, education, research and advocacy across North America.

United Ostomy Associations of America – www.uoaa.org This is an association of affiliated,non profit, support groups committed to improving the quality of lives of people who have or will have a intestinal or urinary diversion.

The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable – www.nccrt.org The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable is a national coalition of public,private, and voluntary organizations whose mission is to advance colorectal cancer control efforts by improving communication,coordination, and collaboration among health agencies, medical professional organizations,and the public.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) – Creation of the National Cancer Institute was authorized by Congress in the National Act of 1937. It is part of the National Institute of Health which is one of 11 agencies that compose the Department of Heath and Human Services.

Clinical Trials There are many programs to choose from. I will list three and it is advised to always talk to your team of physicians first.

  • Peak is a clinical research study for adults with advanced colon and rectal cancer. Colorectal Cancer is considered advanced when it spreads (metastasizes) beyond nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body. Peak stands for Panitumumab Efficacy in combination with mFOLFOX6 Against bevacizimab plus mFOLFOX6 in mCRC subjects with wild type KRAS tumors.
    • Clinical Trials.Gov This is a service from the National Institute of Health
    • Clinical Trials.Gov Clinical Trials. Gov is a registry of federally and private supported clinical trials conducted in the US and around the world. It gives information about a trials purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers to call. Again it should be used in conjunction with advice from your health care professional.
  • American Gastroenterology Association The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. It was found in 1897 and has 17,000 members from around the world who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice, and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization.
  • Pub Med.Gov Pub Med comprises of more than 19 million biomedical articles from Medline and life science journals.
  • Medline Plus Medline Plus will direct you to information to help in search of health questions. It brings together authoritative information from NLM, National Institute of Health, to the government agencies and health related organizations.
  • Cancer.Net Cancer. Net formerly people living with cancer, brings the expertise and resources of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the voice of the world’s cancer physicians to people living with cancer and those who care for and care about them. ASCO is composed of more than 27,000 oncologists globally who are the leaders in advancing cancer care. All the information and content on Cancer. Net was developed and approved by the cancer doctors who are members of ASCO, making Cancer. Net the most up to date and trusted resource for cancer on the internet.
  • Medicare Official US Government site for people with Medicare
  • Video and Slide show
  • National Library of Medicine – Worlds largest medical library. This is only a partial list of resources available, but it should provide the beginning of information to help you understand colorectal cancer. Always talk to your physicians about your condition and treatments.
  • Colon Cancer Solutions – A not-for-profit organization that works to provide support to cancer patients and their families.
  • UMass Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group for patients and their friends and family. Members of the group share information about issues related to gastrointestinal cancers, which include colorectal, esophageal, gastric and pancreatic cancers.

    Date: the second Monday of each month
    Time: 5pm to 6pm

    Location: UMass University Campus,55 Lake Ave North, Worcester Ambulatory Care Center (building attached to the visitor parking garage) Fourth Floor Conference Room.
    Contact: Mary Sullivan, NP – 508-334-5274

If you would like to get involved in the Colorectal Cancer Alliance of Central MA please email barbara