Facing cancer is difficult no matter your age or diagnosis. For patients younger than 50, there are additional challenges that may come with a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, there has been a rising trend of people younger than 50 being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer, now making up around 10% of new cases. That’s where the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program is here to help those diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer.
The Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program seeks to collaborate with the programs, services and resources available through UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center and other partners.
Medical services include:
- Genetics counseling – we have a nurse practitioner who specializes in genetics counseling. She can assist with any genetic testing for Lynch syndrome. If positive for Lynch syndrome, we can help guide family members to get tested also and our oncology team can help with surveillance.
- Onco-fertility – our team can assist with referrals to fertility specialists
- Ostomy clinics – a colorectal cancer diagnosis may result in the use of an ostomy, which requires specialized education. The Ostomy Clinic with UofL Physicians – Colon and Rectal Surgery can assist with self-care instruction, lifestyle guidelines, care and usage, proper diet, preventing complications and other support.
- Program coordinator who schedules appointments and referrals
- Convenient colonoscopy screening by gastroenterologists or colorectal surgeons
- Multidisciplinary care from colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists
- Sexual health program with psychologists, gynecologists and urologists
- Clinical trials
- The Thrive Clinic, a survivorship program
Talk to your oncologist to learn more about the services available through Brown Cancer Center.
Additional holistic, integrative services are available through our SOAR On Loyd Family Wellness Program. Our Resource Center is your connection to many of these things including:
- Mental health services to help with:
- adjusting to a cancer diagnosis
- talking to children about cancer
- facing cancer while working and having young children at home
- Social work services addressing finances, employment and insurance issues
- Diet and nutrition services
- Massage therapy and acupuncture
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Transportation assistance
- Support groups through the Colon Cancer Prevention Project and Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana
- Cancer rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and pelvic floor therapy
Talk to your oncologist or call one of our Resource Centers to learn more about the services available through SOAR On.
