Colon Cancer
An estimated 150,000 people were diagnosed with cancers of the colon or rectum in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Though the cancers will claim nearly 50,000 lives in the United States, more people are surviving their battles. Learn more about colorectal cancers with the Colon Cancer Web Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat Is Colon Cancer?
The colon is part of our digestive system, and one of the last stops for food before it enters the ... read more »
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis
Colon and rectal cancers don’t show many signs in their early stages, which is why public ... read more »
Colon Cancer Treatment
People with colorectal cancer have a number of treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiation ... read more »
Support for Colon Cancer Patients and Survivors
Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the United States, and there are many places to find others online who are sharing your experience. Use the sites below to find support for colon cancer patients and survivors.
Insights for Colon Cancer Support
- Some support groups and boards are moderated; others are not. Moderated Web sites are usually run by volunteers who are familiar with the particular issue and can ensure that the board conversations don't go off track. Boards that aren’t moderated can be very useful, but beware that there may be people with an agenda different from yours. Always use caution when chatting on the Web.
Top Sites for Colon Cancer Support
For coping with a colon cancer diagnosis …
American Academy of Family Physicians
has an article called “Cancer: Helping Your Family Help You.” This document answers questions such as “How do I tell my children that I have cancer?” and “How can my family members help me?”
For colorectal cancer blogs …
Rectal Cancer – How to Kick its Sorry Ass
is written by a woman in the United Kingdom. She describes the different procedures she’s had, and her life as a single mother trying to manage the disease.
Blog for a Cure
is a community of cancer survivors. Look for links to a variety of blogs on colon and rectal cancer.
Colon Cancer Sucks Ass
was the blog of Christine, a woman diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2005 at the age of 28. After she passed away in 2009, her mom and friend Mandy took over the blog and continue to post about issues related to Christine's life and colon cancer.
For colorectal cancer forums …
American Cancer Society
has an online discussion group for colorectal cancer in its Cancer Survivors Network. You must register (it’s free) to post messages, but you’ll also be able to view survivors’ Web pages and chat.
The Colon Club
was started by a woman who was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 23, and a friend whose cousin died of colon cancer at age 27. Besides these forums, the club has all sorts of “crazy projects,” including a Colondar (calendar) featuring men and women who have, or have had, colon cancer, and greeting cards to encourage friends and family to get screened for colon cancer.
For colorectal cancer support groups …
United Ostomy Associations of America
lists support groups in 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cancer Support Community
has online support groups for those with cancer and their caregivers, along with a public forum. Registration for the forum and support groups is free, but joining the online support group requires some additional steps. For example, someone from the Wellness Community will call and interview you, and you must submit a patient or caregiver confirmation form.
Colon Cancer News and Research
Scientists are studying all aspects of colorectal cancer, and are developing ways to detect it ... read more »
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