Cancer Screening

Off the Clock: As a survivor, Evan Cantwell volunteers for colorectal cancer awareness

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:58:08 +0000

Off the Clock: As a survivor, Evan Cantwell volunteers for colorectal cancer awareness Lauren Reuscher Thu, 03/28/2024 - 09:58

Nominate a colleague for Off the Clock

Life is much more than time spent on the clock. In this series, we highlight the unique hobbies and volunteer activities of Mason's talented faculty and staff.

Evan Cantwell volunteers with Fight Colorectal Cancer. Photo by Brian Threlkeld

As a photographer in Creative Services at ��AV, Evan Cantwell spends his time at work capturing moments across the university. And he’s been doing it for quite a while.

“I started working at Mason in the previous century, when we still used chemistry to process our university image collection in black and white,” Cantwell said. The university has grown a lot since 1999, and Cantwell now collaborates with teams across the Office of University Branding, including writers, editors, social media specialists, videographers, and students to tell the Mason story.

Beyond the technology used in his work, something else was drastically different about Cantwell’s life when he first started working at Mason. He was undergoing chemotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat early onset colorectal cancer. He was in his early twenties.

Cantwell is now a 25-year survivor of the disease, having been cancer-free since he underwent treatment in 1999. Since then, he has found ways to connect with other survivors and help spread awareness of colorectal cancer, which is now affecting more and more young people in the United States.

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity?

It was challenging to connect with other survivors before the existence of social media, so I went to group therapy opportunities, but could never relate since I was so much younger than everyone. Over a decade later, when I was exploring therapy again and dealing with a lot of health issues, I ended up at a surf camp for young cancer survivors, which inspired me to explore patient advocacy.

I was selected to be one of the first Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) ambassadors in 2016. We participated in public service announcement videos shown in Times Square and the NASDAQ marquee screen, posed for the Fight CRC magazine, Beyond Blue, and attended an ambassador retreat. We raised awareness and amplified Fight CRC’s mission by lobbying Congress in March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I took a break during COVID but was excited to join Fight CRC on Capitol Hill again this year.

Cantwell lends his photography skills to his volunteer work raising awareness for colorectal cancer. This March, volunteers with Fight Colorectal Cancer participated in a Call on Congress and installed flags and photo exhibits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What is involved in this volunteer work, and what is the time commitment?

Last fall, I volunteered to photograph the new Fight CRC ambassador class, which includes survivors, caregivers who have lost loved ones, and those undergoing treatment. We met in Missouri during ambassador training camp, and the weekend was full of emotion as they shared their stories.

No one knows why colorectal cancer is now the leading killer of young men ages 20–49, and the second deadliest among young women. This March, families, caregivers, survivors, doctors, and other advocates came together to plant 27,400 blue flags on the National Mall. In 2030, it’s estimated that 27,400 young Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Fight CRC partners with government agencies to identify and fund research and policies to bridge research and advocacy efforts, including early onset research.

Evan Cantwell (right) and fellow survivor Alecia Mandal (left) at the Fight CRC photo exhibit on the National Mall. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Over the years, I have met the most amazing and kind people from around the country. The type of people who really restore your faith. I would be remiss not to mention that some of those people have died. I am so grateful that I had a chance to meet them and to work with them when they were advocating not just for themselves, but for all of us.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I think I am. Especially when I can figure out when to ask for help. Choosing not to do it alone will open up so many pathways to healing both body and mind.

Also, it is so important to connect with your family about health. Know your body. You will be the only one in this life to take care of it. Ensure you spend more time researching a second opinion than researching a hair stylist, and to take full responsibility for your health.

If you are sure there is something wrong with your body, and a health care professional doesn’t think so, you can say, “No, this is not acceptable,” and advocate for your health by getting a second opinion. It might save your life—it saved mine.

Volunteers and advocates for colorectal cancer awareness gather on Capitol Hill. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

What is one thing you want people to know about awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer?

Colonoscopies save lives. There are new tools for screening, and you should consult with a doctor regarding the best screening for you. Know your risk factors; learn about your family history, considering grandparents and first-degree relatives, or if you have Lynch syndrome. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer in adults with average risk from age 50 to age 45. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up; get the recommended preventive screening.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

You can find me outdoors—hiking, exploring nature, and mountain biking. I also enjoy doing yoga and taking care of our rescue dog, Molly, with my wife. I’m hoping to explore the American west (when it’s not hot).

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Healio Gastroenterology: Dr. Martha Kubik comments on USPSTF’s updated recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in JAMA in a story about the top 10 peer-tested stories from 2021.

eander6 — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:39:36 +0000

Healio Gastroenterology: Dr. Martha Kubik comments on USPSTF’s updated recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in JAMA in a story about the top 10 peer-tested stories from 2021. eander6 Thu, 01/20/2022 - 09:39

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Program Seeks to Reduce Preventable Cancers with Free Screening, Same-Day Results, Health Education

Kelly Hansen — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 16:22:58 +0000

Program Seeks to Reduce Preventable Cancers with Free Screening, Same-Day Results, Health Education Kelly Hansen Wed, 07/07/2021 - 12:22

��AV faculty Michelle Williams leads programs evaluation determining feasibility of See, Test, & Treat Program to addresses barriers and improve health outcomes for cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening among uninsured, under-served women in Mississippi.

Evidence shows that early detection and treatment of cancer can significantly improve health outcomes, however women in Mississippi, particularly in underserved populations, experience the worst health outcomes for cervical, breast, and oropharyngeal cancer.

A new publication from Michelle Williams, associate professor at ��AV’s College of Health and Human Services Department of Global and Community Health, published in the Journal of Cancer Education evaluates the feasibility of offering free, same-day cancer screening and health education to reduce disparities of “preventable cancers.” Williams evaluated the effects of providing access to free mammograms, Pap tests and pelvic exams, and oral cancer exams on participants’ knowledge about cancer, self-efficacy for obtaining healthcare, and intentions to change their health behaviors.

Williams and colleagues evaluated an implementation of the See, Test, & Treat Program, an evidence-based program developed by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation which they adapted for use with uninsured and underserved women in the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area. See, Test, & Treat participants were educated about cancer screenings during their consultation with providers. Important features of the See, Test, & Treat program were that participants received screening results within 2 hours and participants who received abnormal results were able to schedule a follow-up appointment at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) before leaving. In addition, upon arriving at the screening site waiting room, participants could choose from a variety of health activities, including demonstrations of healthy cooking, yoga, and Zumba.

“Cancer screenings are a valuable tool for the early detection of cancer – however uninsured and underserved women may lack access to life-saving routine screenings. Evaluating the implementation of this program helps show that it is feasible to provide access to free cancer screenings to vulnerable populations and to provide screening results in the same day,” said Williams.

The majority of participants reported that they attended the See, Test, & Treat Program because they wanted free cancer screening and they could get the test results back the same day. The majority of participants reported that the program had a positive effect on their knowledge of cancer screenings and their self-efficacy for seeking regular check-ups. In addition, participants reported that the health education activities had a significant effect on their understanding of the cancers for which they screened as well as health, nutrition, and exercise.

Follow-up appointments were made for all participants who received abnormal test results, including 18 women who received abnormal mammogram results. 15 of the 18 women obtained a diagnostic mammogram, three of whom required biopsies. All the biopsy results were benign. Two of the women who received the oral cancer exams had abnormal results and both were referred for treatment. None of the 44 Pap tested were abnormal, however 14 women were diagnosed with trichomonas and referred for treatment.

Overall, the program was positively received by the participants and successfully provided uninsured and under-served women with free cancer screening and health education. When asked about what they enjoyed most about the program, participants identified the convenience of same day screening results and that the staff treated them with respect. One participant reported that the staff “didn’t make me feel like someone who didn’t have health insurance.” Lmitations of the evaluation approach include the lack of long-term follow-up because the evaluation survey was completed anonymously. William seeks to include an interview and follow-up survey of all participants in future iterations of the program.

Participants learned of the program through advertising disseminated through channels such as churches, healthcare centers, and social media. Childcare was made available for participants with young children. The American Cancer Society guidelines were used to determine eligibility for the breast and cancer screening. 72 women met the eligibility requirements, 53 women were screened, and 52 participants completed the evaluation survey.

Williams initially led the program evaluation while at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMCC) Cancer Center and Research Institute and will continue her evaluations at ��AV. The program evaluation is funded by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Foundation.

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Targeted Oncology: Dr. Marti Kubik comments on screening tests for colorectal cancer. Also in Medpage Today

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 18:07:19 +0000

Targeted Oncology: Dr. Marti Kubik comments on screening tests for colorectal cancer. Also in Medpage Today Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/07/2021 - 13:07

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Medpage Today: USPSTF: Start CRC Screening at Age 45

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Off the Clock: As a survivor, Evan Cantwell volunteers for colorectal cancer awareness

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Nominate a colleague for Off the Clock

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity?

What is involved in this volunteer work, and what is the time commitment?

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

What is one thing you want people to know about awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer?

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Topics

Healio Gastroenterology: Dr. Martha Kubik comments on USPSTF’s updated recommendations for colorectal cancer screening in JAMA in a story about the top 10 peer-tested stories from 2021.

In This Story

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Program Seeks to Reduce Preventable Cancers with Free Screening, Same-Day Results, Health Education

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Targeted Oncology: Dr. Marti Kubik comments on screening tests for colorectal cancer. Also in Medpage Today

In This Story

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