Dr. Brian Dooreck and his CRC POP provides immediate resources for newly diagnosed CRC patients
The need for colorectal cancer support is clear. “They don’t hear anything after the word cancer,” Dr. Brian Dooreck, creator of the Colorectal Cancer Provider Outreach Program (CRC POP) described. “The brain just goes wild in a million directions.”
Throughout his 17-year medical career, Dooreck has had to deliver the hard news before. A new colorectal cancer diagnosis brings shock to many patients creating more questions than answers.
“Many of our patients who come in show no signs or symptoms of cancer,” Dooreck said. “Colorectal cancer, unlike other cancers such as breast cancer where you can feel a lump, typically won’t show many symptoms. A lot of them believe it’s hemorrhoids. It’s very scary.”
Delivering Diagnoses
Consequently, Dooreck identified one major area of improvement for physicians delivering these diagnoses, immediate support at the bedside to support patients with colorectal cancer, shared directly from the provider to the patient.
“We as physicians have to be empathetic and understanding,” he explained. “We have to be present for the fact that someone’s world just turned upside-down. Their blueprint for life has just been ripped up. You must be attuned to the fact that this could be your father, or mother, brother, or sister, or even you. We have an ethical moral responsibility to be in touch with the weight of that news.”
Helping patients and physicians by providing colorectal cancer support
Therefore, Dooreck stepped in with a resource that allows physicians to provide immediate bedside assistance. The Colorectal Cancer Provider Outreach Program is a text messaging-based service , supported by EZ Texting, that allows patients to quickly receive resources and support upon learning of their diagnosis.
“We as providers have failed to direct our patients to the many resources available, resources that are there and free to use,” Dooreck explained. “Organizations such as Fight CRC, the American Cancer Society, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and more.”
CRC POP is simple and easy to use for patients. Dooreck describes it as “actionable accountability.” Patients need simply to text the word COLON to 484848. Upon receipt they will then receive a PDF image of resources and support groups that can help them identify next steps and come to the realization of their diagnosis. The service is also entirely free for patients, requiring no sign up or subscriptions.
You’re not alone
“The biggest thing we want patients to know is, ‘You’re not alone.’” Dooreck said. “We need to create that level of connection and step of accountability and give the patient a base or anchor of resources.”
The program’s ability to provide resources instantaneously can also help answer immediate questions poised by the diagnosis. Dooreck described that instead of patients waiting for their next visit, sitting with questions unanswered, the program will allow for assistance both while in the exam room and once home.
“As physicians we took an oath, “Dooreck said. “I believe this service allows me to provide the highest-level care to my patients. It’s not for us, it’s for our patients.”.
If you, are a Gastroenterologist, Colorectal Surgeon, medial provider, or a patient, or someone you know is battling colorectal cancer—especially newly diagnosed—share how to access the CRC POP program by texting COLON to 484848.
You can also follow the Colorectal Cancer Provider Outreach Program (CRC POP) on Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and Facebook.
