#BackOffColonCancer: A Doctor's Powerful Message

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center’s Dr. Andrew Albert has caught the attention of many in Chicago, the nation and around the world with a powerful message: #BackOffColonCancer.

After losing a patient to colon cancer and later finding a tumor in a patient who should have gotten a colonoscopy years earlier, he took action.

“I felt like I was losing ground and just said ‘enough,’” says Dr. Albert. “I was feeling like I needed to make a difference immediately, so I put a sign on my back with whatever supplies I had. I knew I was riding home in traffic, so I put it on before I left in an effort to get in front of people.”

He posted a photo of that ride on Twitter, where it’s been inspiring others to do the same and learn more about when to be screened for colon cancer. The movement has spread not only around Advocate Health Care, but to other health systems across the country, cancer survivors and family and friends, support organizations and more. It’s even made its way to places like Bahrain, Turkey, Israel and Japan! And, while Dr. Albert is happy his post has raised so much awareness, he says what’s most important is if his message prompts someone to get screened.

“The number one response is people saying ’I just scheduled my colonoscopy,’” says Dr. Albert. “People scheduling colonoscopies for themselves or loved ones is the real success. I’ve received messages from around the world asking about guidelines for colon cancer screening, who needs one, and how to get one. I’m shocked by the information they didn’t have. You should always know when your next screening will be.”

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), which also estimates 135,430 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017 and approximately 50,260 people will die from it. With that many lives at risk, it’s important to know when you should get screened.

The ACS recommends that men and women at average risk for colorectal cancer should get a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at the age of 50, while people at higher risk may need to start earlier or get tested more frequently. You could be at risk if you have a personal or familial history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. To learn more about potential risk and screening recommendations, visit the ACS website.

Dr. Albert estimates his message has reached more than 1 million people so far, and he’s committed to keeping up the momentum.

“I just want everyone to take part in the sharing process,” says Dr. Albert. “Perhaps I initiated the discussion, but everyone needs to continue it if we’re going to find a resolution to colon cancer.”

Help Dr. Albert spread his message by posting your own photo on Twitter or Instagram using #BackOffColonCancer. You never know when or how you might help save a life.

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Advocate Illinois Medical Center is a 397-bed non-profit teaching hospital located in the Lake View neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. The medical center has a Level I Trauma Center and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the highest designations awarded by the state of Illinois, and offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, including cardiovascular, oncology, digestive health and neurosciences services. A recipient of numerous awards for quality and clinical excellence, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center has achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing services from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The medical center has also been named a Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality by the Human Rights Campaign’s Healthcare Equality Index. Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center is part of Advocate Health Care, the largest fully integrated health system in Illinois. For more information, visit www.advocatehealth.com/immc.