Leading colorectal cancer advocacy organizations Colon Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer announced that they are teaming up on an initiative to encourage patients with colorectal cancer to take charge of their diagnosis and learn about clinical trials.

The Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial Call to Action campaign matches colorectal cancer patients with currently recruiting clinical trials based on their individual medical situation. The easy-to-use resources, powered by EmergingMed, help patients discuss with their doctor clinical trials that may be appropriate for them.  The personalized service is free, confidential, and available to patients, loved ones and healthcare professionals.

“Patients who participate in clinical trials also help further colorectal cancer research,” said Carlea Bauman, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer. “Today’s clinical trial could be tomorrow’s standard treatment. Unfortunately the process of finding an appropriate trial can be mind-boggling to patients, which is why Fight Colorectal Cancer is pleased to join with EmergingMed and the Colon Cancer Alliance on this vital program.”

Read the entire press release from EmergingMed, Fight Colorectal Cancer and the Colon Cancer Alliance.

Nancy Roach, Fight Colorectal Cancer Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors, was interviewed by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) at this year’s 102nd Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL.

Nancy discussed her commitment to fighting colorectal cancer, the goals of Fight Colorectal Cancer, the various meanings of “advocacy,” and the value of her participation in the AACR’s Scientist↔Survivor Program.

March 23rd was GI Nurses and Associates Day.

So today, better late than never, we’re sending a big bunch of thank-yous to those gastrointestinal nurses and associates who are doing so much to end colorectal cancer.

It’s their skill, dedication, and good care that makes a scary colonoscopy safe and easier for us.

If you see a GI nurse today, give them a hug — or a pat on the hand as you doze off.

Fight Colorectal Cancer is giving you the opportunity to talk to researchers and medical professionals in April and May through online webinars designed to bring the science of treating colorectal cancer down to the personal.

The latest news from the petri dish
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
8 – 9 PM Eastern

Dr. Yaeger at work in her lab

Dr. Rona Yaeger will discuss the research she has been conducting over the past year with the grant she received as part of Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Lisa Fund research program.

Dr. Yaeger’s research focused on inhibiting the AKT pathway in colorectal cancer cells. She conducted basic research to determine how inhibitors to the pathway might affect cells of patients who have mutated KRAS and are resistant to EGFR inhibiting drugs. Dr. Yaeger has also been conducting a phase II clinical trial with an AKT inhibitor for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have normal (wild type) KRAS.

If you are interested in learning more about the future of cancer treatments, or if you’ve ever donated to the Fight Colorectal Cancer Lisa Fund, do not miss this webinar!

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Fight Colorectal Cancer has partnered with the Cancer Support Community (formerly The Wellness Community and Gilda’s Club) on the third edition of its highly popular book, “Frankly Speaking About Cancer: Colorectal Cancer.”

The book is part of a free educational program conducted by the Cancer Support Community that is dedicated to empowering patients and their families to effectively navigate life with colorectal cancer. It includes:

• The latest diagnostic tools and screening guidelines
• An in-depth look at treatment options and side-effect management
• Tips for patients and their families on how to communicate with their health care teams
• Ways to cope with quality of life issues
• Up-to-date resources related to the total experience of living with colorectal cancer

Order your free copy today (limit one per household).