Anna Dahlgren

@GYRIG I was diagnosed at age 33, no family history. #EAOCRC

Where are all the young onser #coloncancer surviors and patients. Let's start a thread to let all the people learning about #EAOCRC for the for time know this has been a problem for a long time. How old were you at diagnosis? #crcsm #never2young #ontherise

@TreyMancini I needed new masks for work, so I thought I would represent my fellow N2Y member. Happy to have you on the team!

I have been posting stories of young people diagnosed with #colorectalcancer As you can see, #TheNewFaceOfCRC is not the old fart plopped in front of the TV… #crcsm #crc45andunder @CrcEarly @EarlyOnsetCRC 5/7

@GYRIG A7: Risk factors determine the best testing method. Blood and stool tests are great for average risk patients, but someone with an increased risk may need a more sensitive testing method such as a colonoscopy. #CRCchat

Q7: And finally, in colorectal cancer advocacy, we talk about the importance of knowing your family health history. Why can this be important information to have before considering the best screening test for you? #CRCchat

@GYRIG A6: It wold be nice if they all had the same guidelines to keep it simple to remember. Otherwise communication between the patient and physician is really important. Our clinic has a database that automatically sends reminders for CRC screening due dates to patients. #CRCchat

Q6: Each screening test has a different timeline for patients with normal results to screen again, yet many don't know how often they need to repeat the test. How can we better communicate when to screen again, and how important it is to stay up-to-date on testing. #CRCchat

@GYRIG A5: Because a lot of people still are embarrassed by the stigma of collecting a stool sample or by getting a colonoscopy. A screening blood test can be done at the same time as other general health screening tests. #CRCchat

Q5: The latest FDA-approved screening test for colorectal cancer is a blood test. Why are options like a blood test important to add to the list of screening tools? #CRCchat

@GYRIG A4: They should know that although blood and stool tests are a great screening alternative, a colonoscopy will still need to be done for any positive test result. #CRCchat

Q4: Though a colonoscopy is the only way to prevent colorectal cancer, stool-based DNA tests, FIT/FOBT, or blood-based tests are still great options for detecting cancer. What are some things patients should know if they opt to take one of these other tests. #CRCchat

@GYRIG A3: I feel that discussion should begin at 18. The chances are greater for catching it at an early stage if it is discussed at an early age. #CRCchat

Q3: When is an ideal time for a patient and provider to begin discussing colorectal cancer screening? #CRCchat

@GYRIG Many of them still think that IFOB/IFIT and colonoscopy are the only options! #CRCchat

Anyone else surprised to know their physicians aren’t up to date on all the screening options available? #CRCchat

@GYRIG A2: It gives people the option to choose what method they are most comfortable with. Some people don’t want to handle a stool sample and others hate needles. Knowing the different options will increase screening rates. #CRCchat

Q2: Why can knowing screening options help increase a person’s likelihood of being screened? #CRCchat

@GYRIG A1: Social media is a great platform, but physicians also need to know the options available for their patients. Educating physicians should be a priority! #CRCCHAT

Q1: The colorectal cancer community can agree that “the best test is the one that gets done,” yet many people aren’t aware they have multiple options for being screened. How can we reach and educate more people about screening options? #CRCchat

@GYRIG My name is Anna and I was diagnosed with colon cance at 33. No family history. #CRCchat

Please introduce yourself and let us know why colorectal cancer screening is important to you or your organization, and how you are working to advocate and educate for screening. #CRCchat

@CCAlliance A12: AllyCon is a great place to find people who truly understand you. The sessions are informative and up to date, and we all learn something from each other. #N2YChat

Q12: Why should patients, survivors and caregivers of CRC attend AllyCon? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A11: I plan on telling my story at CRC events, TV and print interviews, online, and anywhere else I can! #N2YChat

Q11: We can inspire action by telling our story. How do you plan on telling your story? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A10: My employer offers free yoga 2 days/week during lunchtime. I also do yoga at home. #N2YChat

Q10: We know light exercise and meditation help us stay strong during and after treatment. What are you doing at home? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A9: I do not have a survivorship plan in place. #N2YChat

Q9: Many survivors are unsure of next steps after they complete treatment. Do you or your healthcare team have a survivorship plan in place? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A8: I use online support groups. It is easier for me to talk to other survivors than it is to talk to my family. However; I would like to learn how to talk to my family more. #N2YChat

Q8: Emotional health is important as a patient, survivor and caregiver. What tools do you use to help you talk with your care teams and important people in your life? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A7: I do not have a palliative care team. #N2YChat

Q7: Palliative care is based on the needs of the patient, not on the patient’s prognosis. How many of you have palliative care teams? #N2YChat

@CCAlliance A6: I feel that online support communities are very helpful for a variety of topics. It would be nice to have more options like AllyCon to meet others in person. #N2YChat

Q6. Colorectal Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers have unique challenges. What resources have helped you, and what resources do you still need? #N2YChat