Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and one of the most common cancers. Brent was a statistic – 1 in 10 of those diagnosed with colon cancer is someone under the age of 50. The good news is colon cancer is treatable, but the first challenge is detecting the cancer. As the first step in detection, we encourage establishing a relationship with your doctor by having an annual physical that includes blood work and age/risk appropriate screening. There are a lot of “what ifs” and that is why we encourage you to get educated. Learn what you can do to detect cancer, what happens following a diagnosis, and even all about genetics through our friends at Colon Cancer Coalition or Fight Colorectal Cancer. Both organizations have booklets you can download free of charge.
Firefighter Resources
You can help us educate firefighters and their families about cancer by clicking on our Give page and making a donation. The money stays local – helping those that answer when you call 911. If you are someone you know is a first responder and have been diagnosed with cancer, please let us know by filling out a 525 Challenge Grant form.
The Foundation will provide resources to bridge gaps in education related to public service, cancer, and nutrition.
If you are a firefighter who has a cancer diagnosis, we recommend you contact Firefighter Cancer Support Network as soon as possible. They provide a toolbox of vital resources to guide you on the journey. In addition, they have badge-to-badge peer support mentors for straight talk in terms you understand.
Also helpful general support resources…
Firestrong – Firefighter and Family support resources, information.
SafeCallNow – 24 hour crisis referral for public safety employees.
Support Organizations
- Colon Cancer Coalition – prevention, detection, support
- Fight Colorectal Cancer – clinical trials and treatment options
- Cancer and Careers – legal resource for questions about employment following diagnosis
- Cancer Care – Free professional counseling (phone), support groups
- Colorectal Care Line – Assistance, info on health insurance benefits, reimbursement, appeals
- Lazarex Cancer Foundation – clinical trails, financial assistance to take part in trials
- Patient Access Network – Help for uninsured/underinsured
- Savor Health – personalized nutrition and counseling for cancer patients
Credible Sources for Information
Dr. Google is very helpful for finding a restaurant or store, but you have to be careful about the cancer information found. Make sure any websites or articles are from a reliable source – there is a lot of information out there, but you can’t believe everything you read! Definitely avoid sites that start popping up after you have done a search or posted something in social media. We can safely recommend:
- American Cancer Society – cancer.org
- Colorectal Cancer Information – Cancer.gov/Types/Colorectal
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers – CancerCenters.Cancer.gov
- National Cancer Institute – cancer.gov
- Health Information Search – HealthOnNet.org
- Health Information – nim.nih.gov/MedlinePlus
- Scientific Journal Articles – ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pubmed
- Peer Reviewed, Evidence-based Medicine – UpToDate.com
We support:
Donate Life Texas
Movember Foundation
No-Shave November