"There's No Pink Ribbon for Colon Cancer"
Tiffany Mullison, a foster care worker in Lincoln, Nebraska, underwent her first colonoscopy at the age of 54. The results came back abnormal. Shortly after, Tiffany had a colon resection procedure to remove cancer. Thankfully, she found it early. She needed no additional treatment, and follow-up colonoscopies have cleared her for the next two years.
After a cancer diagnosis, support is essential. That’s where oncology nurse navigators come in. Nurse navigators are specially trained nurses and social workers who help patients through each step of cancer care. They provide information, answer questions, coordinate appointments and give support.
“No one wants to hear that they have cancer,” said Jill Geschke, the Bryan oncology nurse navigator who worked with Tiffany. “Having support from a navigator to get through both the physical struggles and emotional challenges after receiving the news is really important.”
Geschke specializes in gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancers. She provided support and guidance to Tiffany before and after her surgery and throughout her treatment. Jill was particularly helpful to Tiffany when she helped interpret test results and recommended reputable websites and podcasts for personal research.
“I’m a single mom with two kids and lost both my parents in the last couple of years. The cancer diagnosis was all too much, so overwhelming,” Tiffany said. “Jill is the best person on the planet for me. She is such a cheerleader and helps me focus on the positive. We have a special relationship, and I’m grateful.”
Tiffany shared her story to raise awareness for colon cancer. Admittedly, she didn’t realize the screening guidelines had changed to encourage earlier detection. Tiffany also wants to decrease the stigma surrounding colon cancer, saying she struggled to tell people about her diagnosis because she felt embarrassed.
“There’s no pink ribbon for colon cancer,” she said. “People aren’t embarrassed to get a mammogram, so why should they be ashamed to get a colonoscopy? Today, I’m talking with all my friends and encouraging them to get screened. I’m even driving them to their appointments!”
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in Nebraska, behind only breast, prostate and lung. Over 940 new cases will be diagnosed in Nebraska this year, and rates are increasing in people under age 50.
Thankfully, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when discovered early. Regular screenings, now recommended to begin at age 45, are key to prevention or early discovery. Colonoscopies, along with other at-home tests, can help prevent up to 80% of all colon cancer deaths.
Learn more at BryanHealth.org/Colon-Cancer.
