Colon Cancer Awareness

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women in the United States, but only two-thirds of those over the age of 50 have been screened for colorectal cancer. Roughly 22 million people who have a high risk of developing the cancer are not getting screened. Screening helps find precancerous polyps which can be removed before they become cancerous.

Though colonoscopies are the most commonly known form of colorectal cancer screening for people over the age of 50, there are several other methods approved by the American Society of Clinical Oncology: 

Tests that can detect both polyps and cancer:

·       Flexible sigmoidoscopy (Repeat every 5 years or as recommended by a physician)

·       Colonoscopy (Repeat every 10 years)

·       DCBE (Double contrast barium enema) (Repeat every 5 years)

·       CT colonography or CAT Scan (As recommended by a physician)

Tests that primarily detect cancer:

·       Guaiac-based FOBT (Fecal occult blood test) (Annually)

·       FIT (Fecal immunochemical test) (Annually)

·       Stool DNA test (Recommended by a physician) 

Always include cancer care in your home health marketing strategy. Promote the advantages of partnering with home health:

·      Enhanced condition management

·      Patient and family counseling

·      Regular condition assessment

·      Home safety and emergency education

·      Medication education

·      Physical, occupational, and speech therapies

All health care providers should promote wellness and cancer prevention:

·       Participate in colorectal cancer awareness events throughout the Month of March: https://www.ccalliance.org/about/awareness-month

·       Promote the importance of screening and early detection:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl/

·       Join the Colorectal Alliance Nation of Allies:
https://www.ccalliance.org/get-involved

·       Visit oncologists in your service area to educate them about home health cancer care. Present a copy of your Cancer with Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy patient education guides that help patients better understand and manage their conditions.

Need more help? Check us out at TAGWebstore.com for your home health and Hospice Marketing and Educational print media.

Resources: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/colorectal-cancer/screening , https://www.fascrs.org/colorectal-cancer-awareness-materials, https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/join-fight/raise-awareness/

Cancer Care - Partnering with Home Health and Hospice

Cancer touches nearly everyone at some point in their life. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 1,700,000 new cases of cancer will have been diagnosed in 2018. February is National Cancer Prevention Month and a good opportunity to target oncology providers in your service area. Incorporate cancer care into your first quarter marketing strategy to promote patient outcomes improved by partnering with Home Health. Home Health Care Benefits include:

• Improved condition management

• Patient and family counseling

• Condition assessment

• Home safety and emergency education

• Medication education

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapies

It is estimated that cancer will have claimed 600,00 American lives in 2018. Hospice offers premium end-of-life-care for those unfortunate patients whose cancer is progressive, metastasized, or no longer responsive to treatment. Hospice Care includes:

• Individualized care plans

• Optional home care with support services

• A support team of doctors, nurses, technicians, chaplains, and social workers

• Symptom relief and pain management

• Spiritual counseling

• Respite care for caregivers

Participate in Cancer Prevention throughout the month of February:

• Share cancer prevention methods through your professional and social network:

  Avoiding all forms of tobacco.

  Maintaining a healthy weight.

  Exercising regularly.

  Eating healthy with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

  Limiting alcohol consumption.

  Protecting your skin.

  Knowing yourself, your family history, and your risks.

  Having regular check-ups and appropriate cancer screening tests.

• Promote the importance of early detection. The National Cancer Institute has downloads to help you get started.

• Promote a healthy diet by hosting a collaborative class with an emphasis on foods that help prevent  cancer. Invite local health-oriented restaurateurs to participate.

• Visit oncologists in your service area to educate them about the care you provide to cancer patients. Take along your comprehensive patient education guides that help your patients stay on track and achieve better outcomes.

• Visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for free cancer-related fact sheets, posters and other educational materials.

Visit tagwebstore.com for your Home Health and Hospice print media.