Press Releases
Colon Cancer Team Launches Website for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
New online risk assessment tool available on www.coloncancerteam.org.
(Baton Rouge, LA) - To help educate Louisiana residents about the risks of colorectal cancer, the Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins has launched a resource dedicated to the disease - www.coloncancerteam.org. This is being done in conjunction with the development of a new multidisciplinary program solely focused on the comprehensive delivery of state-of-the-art care and colorectal cancer research for colorectal cancer patients.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately ten percent of all cancer deaths in Louisiana are from colon and rectum cancers. However, it is also one of the most preventable, treatable and beatable cancers. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be cured when caught in their earliest stages. Early detection and education are key.
"We are dedicated to offering colorectal cancer patients a comprehensive team approach to cancer care. From early detection and prevention to treatment and survivorship, a team of physicians and patient navigator will be there every step of the way," said Dr. Louis R. Barfield, Director of the Colorectal Cancer Team. "Providing a formal, multidisciplinary approach to colorectal cancer is a national best practice and one that we are excited about providing to cancer patients here in Louisiana."
The site contains a new colorectal cancer risk assessment tool, which was developed by the Cancer Program's colorectal cancer team and can help determine one's personal risk for colorectal cancer. The site also provides information on the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and lists free upcoming screenings and locations, among other related topics.
Information about the multidisciplinary colorectal cancer team can be found on the site. The team's purpose is to identify and address the entire continuum of care for colorectal cancer from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. The team is comprised of:
gastroenterologists
medical oncologists
oncologic surgeons
radiation oncologists
radiologists
primary care physicians
pathologists
medical physicists
radiation therapists
highly skilled certified oncology nurses
patient navigator
social workers
case managers
nutritionists
pharmacists
chaplains
A unique offering of this program is the service of a patient navigator. The patient navigator will help coordinate the care of the colorectal patient throughout their treatment, ensure understanding of symptom management and emotionally support both the patient and the family. Another important component to this multidisciplinary initiative is genetics counseling, a service which will be available in April by physician referral.
This program is a part of the Cancer Program's participation in the NCI Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot.
The Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins is the most comprehensive cancer program in the region offering patients the convenience of receiving high-quality, advanced cancer care in one location, close to home. The cancer program offers surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and has been accredited by The American College of Surgeons since 1992 - the gold-standard for community-based cancer care. This program is a participant in the prestigious National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) pilot. A successful pilot will lead to the nationwide launch of the NCCCP in 2010. For more information on our cancer program and the NCCCP pilot, please visit www.ololrmc.com or www.marybird.org.
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