Take action to learn about your colorectal cancer's biomarker status
Biomarkers are specific proteins, genes, or other markers that can give you more information about your cancer. You may also hear biomarkers referred to by other names, like "mutations," "tumor markers," or "molecular markers." Learning as much as you can about biomarkers and your colorectal cancer's biomarker status can help you and your healthcare team determine your next steps.
Understanding your colorectal cancer's biomarker status can help you create a plan with your healthcare team
Biomarkers provide you and your healthcare team with essential information about your specific cancer. Your colorectal cancer's biomarkers reveal detailed information about your cancer type, the possible course that the cancer may take, and the treatment plan available to you.
To learn more about your colorectal cancer's biomarker status, you should Ask, Confirm, and Take the next step to create a plan of action with your healthcare team.
Ask your healthcare team if biomarker testing has been or can be done
SEE
If biomarker testing has not yet been done, ask your healthcare team when testing can be done.
| Biomarker testing can be done 2 ways: | |
|
A sample of the tumor tissue |
A blood sample |
Getting your colorectal cancer's biomarker test results will provide details about your cancer that can help determine which course of action is most appropriate for you.
Confirm your colorectal cancer's biomarker status with your healthcare team
SEE
Colorectal cancer can have various biomarkers. BRAF, HER2, KRAS, MMR, MSI, and NRAS are some biomarkers you may hear about.
| It's important to: | |
|
Test early |
|
Check your colorectal cancer's biomarker status with your healthcare team |
|
Remember your cancer's biomarker status so you and your healthcare team can make treatment decisions that are right for you |
If you haven't received your colorectal cancer's biomarker test results, ask your healthcare team to discuss them today.
Take the next step to discuss a disease management plan with your healthcare team
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Testing your colorectal cancer for biomarkers is a necessary part of your treatment journey because it can show your healthcare team how your cancer may progress over time and what treatments are appropriate for you.
Learning your colorectal cancer's biomarker status early on can help you and your healthcare team determine the most appropriate next steps for managing your cancer.
To learn more about your colorectal cancer's biomarker status, you should Ask, Confirm, and Take the next step to create a plan of action with your healthcare team.
Ask your healthcare team if biomarker testing has been or can be done
If biomarker testing has not yet been done, ask your healthcare team when testing can be done.
| Biomarker testing can be done 2 ways: | |
|
A sample of the tumor tissue |
| OR | |
|
A blood sample |
Getting your colorectal cancer's biomarker test results will provide details about your cancer that can help determine which course of action is most appropriate for you.
Confirm your colorectal cancer's biomarker status with your healthcare team
Colorectal cancer can have various biomarkers. BRAF, HER2, KRAS, MMR, MSI, and NRAS are some biomarkers you may hear about.
If you haven't received your colorectal cancer's biomarker test results, ask your healthcare team to discuss them today.
| It's important to: | |
|
|
Test early |
|
|
Check your colorectal cancer's biomarker status with your healthcare team |
|
|
Remember your cancer's biomarker status so you and your healthcare team can make treatment decisions that are right for you |
Take the next step to discuss a disease management plan with your healthcare team
Testing your colorectal cancer for biomarkers is a necessary part of your treatment journey because it can show your healthcare team how your cancer may progress over time and what treatments are appropriate for you.
Learning your colorectal cancer's biomarker status early on can help you and your healthcare team determine the most appropriate next steps for managing your cancer.
Community support
Community advocacy organizations can help you find information about colorectal cancer, ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis, stories from cancer patients and loved ones, resources, and more. Some of these groups include:
Discover an organization that fights colorectal cancer and serves as relentless champions of hope through informed patient support, impactful policy change, and breakthrough research endeavors.
Find a group, formerly known as the Colon Cancer Alliance, that provides support for patients and families to raise awareness of preventive measures and inspires efforts to fund critical research.
Learn about a movement that encourages screening and raises awareness of colorectal cancer's signs and symptoms through run/walk events and bike rides.
Explore an online community of more than 120 private groups on Facebook for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and care partners. You can join groups based on your stage of disease, types of treatment, and special interests.
Pfizer Inc. does not control or endorse third-party organizations. The content provided by Pfizer Inc. or these organizations is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace your doctor's medical advice.
Downloadable resources
NCCN® Guidelines for Patients With Colon Cancer
Read about colon cancer basics, step-by-step guides to treatment options, survivorship, and more from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®).
Biomarkers and Colorectal Cancer
Download and print this brochure to take the information from this site with you to your next appointment with your healthcare team.
Tips & reminders for your next appointment
Revisit this section before you meet with your healthcare team as a reminder to ask them for your colorectal cancer's biomarker status.
When you make your next appointment, put a note on your calendar to talk to your healthcare team about your colorectal cancer's biomarker status.
Inform a caregiver or loved one about your disease management plan and update them frequently so that they can support you.
Take an active role in your treatment plan by continuing to remind your healthcare team of your colorectal cancer's biomarker status.
Keep a running list of any questions you may have and bring them with you to your next appointment.