National Patient Advocacy Org Launches Navigator Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Every year, nearly 150,000 Americans hear the words "You have colon cancer." This includes the young and old, male and female, every race and religion. People unalike in every sense who now have one thing in common: they are colon cancer patients. First, you're hit with shock. I felt so healthy; How could this happen? Then fear slowly slides in. Am I going to die? What are the survival statistics? What about my family? And finally panic. I know no one with colon cancer. What now? What do I need to do to survive?

That's why the Colon Cancer Alliance is launching a Patient Support Navigator Program, focusing on diagnostic and treatment navigation. Through high-quality support from trained Patient Support navigators, the Colon Cancer Alliance will assist patients at all stages of cancer care, from screening and diagnosis to treatment and survivorship, breaking down barriers to screening and bridging the gap between cancer patients and the medical community.

Lack of access to timely screening or cancer care are directly responsible for lives lost to colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. In fact, despite this disease being nearly entirely preventable through screening and 90% beatable when caught and treated early, more than 20 million Americans haven't had any recommended screening for this disease.

Through the Colon Cancer Alliance Patient Navigator Program, navigators use a proactive approach to beating this cancer. They're tearing down barriers to screening (like finances, fear, lack of knowledge, logistical obstacles, etc.) before they lead to a diagnosis. In fact, studies show up to a 41% increase in colon cancer screening rates with the aid of patient navigators. And in the case of a diagnosis, they ensure timely care and treatment to safeguard the best outcome possible. The Colon Cancer Alliance is the first national patient advocacy organization to meet this unmet need in the colon cancer space.

"The launch of our new Patient Support Navigator Program is a dream come true," says Martha Raymond, Colon Cancer Alliance Patient Support and Outreach Director. "My goal of creating this program began several months ago when I realized the need for ongoing support and guidance for those who seek information from our organization. This program offers a one-of-a-kind national support network for colon cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families, ultimately furthering our vision of a world free of colon cancer."

For more information about the Colon Cancer Alliance Patient Support Navigator Program, call the free Helpline at (877) 422-2030 Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET.

The Colon Cancer Alliance's mission is to knock colon cancer out of the top three cancer killers. This mission is being accomplished by championing prevention, funding cutting-edge research and providing the highest quality patient support services. Learn more at ccalliance.org.