March 1 marks National Dress in Blue Day. On the first Friday of March, those who are afflicted with colon cancer – along with their allies and supporters – wear blue to bring awareness to this disease and promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Though highly preventable, colon cancer is often a silent and deadly disease. While colorectal cancer affects both men and women, there are specific nuances and considerations regarding its impact on women that we should be aware of.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, often referred to as bowel cancer or colon cancer, originates in the colon or rectum. It may start as benign growths called polyps, which can become cancerous if not detected and removed. The disease ranks as the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Colorectal cancer in women
While historically seen as a disease primarily affecting men, colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting women. In fact, recent studies suggest that women may be at higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than men due to factors such as hormonal differences and unique symptoms that may delay diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of colon cancer in women?
It’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in women to identify the disease and treat it effectively. Though the symptoms noted below may seem just part of normal gastrointestinal distress or indigestion, it’s important to take note of them as they can signal the early stages of colorectal cancer. Symptoms may include:
Changes in bowel habits
- Some of us may find it uncomfortable to pay attention to or discuss our bowel habits. However, if you notice changes — such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or stool consistency – mention these to your doctor right away. It’s important to screen for and identify (or rule out) colon cancer when these changes occur.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Again, this may be uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s important to note unexplained bleeding or blood in your stool and make an appointment with your primary care provider to investigate it further.
- Abdominal discomfort
- Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating may signal colorectal issues.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Significant and unexplained weight loss – without changes in diet or exercise – warrants medical attention.
- Fatigue or weakness
- If you feel more tired and rundown than usual, make an appointment with your doctor. Chronic fatigue or weakness not attributable to other factors should be evaluated.
What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?
Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage and individual patient factors, but often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and awareness of symptoms.
Screening guidelines for women
Given the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations, screening guidelines have evolved to recommend earlier initiation of screenings. While guidelines may vary slightly, most medical organizations recommend regular colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. However, women with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, may need to begin screening earlier.
As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize that colorectal cancer impacts women uniquely. Increased awareness, early detection, and proactive screening are crucial steps in reducing the burden of this disease on women’s health.
By understanding the signs and symptoms, advocating for timely screenings, and supporting ongoing research and education efforts, we can make significant strides in the fight against colorectal cancer for women and all individuals at risk. Let’s empower ourselves and our communities to prioritize colorectal health and save lives.
How does exercise improve mental health
May is Mental Health Month, and mental health challenges and cognitive decline are real concerns for many people; the number of people with mental health disorders is rising. According to Pujari (2024), by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that mental health disorders will be the leading cause of disability worldwide. While therapy and other pharmaceutical methods are important, exploring practical, non-pharmaceutical ways to maintain cognitive health and brain function as we age is more important than ever. That is where incorporating an exercise program comes in (Smith et al., 2021).
Exercise: More Than Just Physical, It is a Mental Boost
Science backs up the idea that exercise positively impacts brain health. These positive impacts range from improving mental health and helping us recover from brain injuries to fighting off neurodegenerative diseases. Research shows that exercising not only helps with physical fitness but also supports mental well-being (Peng et al., 2022). A small amount of physical activity can make a huge difference, especially in reducing stress, anxiety, or depression. Exercise works as a complement (or even alternative) to traditional treatments, and when you add it to a balanced routine, the benefits are even bigger. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly (or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity), plus muscle-strengthening moves twice weekly.
Why Does it for Mental Health?
Movement is not just about feeling stronger; it is also about building a stronger brain. Cardio training, for example, running or walking, boosts brain health by creating new brain cells, growing blood vessels, and lighting up chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, which help improve mood, focus, and stress. It is also what may cause the post-run “runners high” thanks to endorphins and endocannabinoids kicking in (Monika et al., 2024).
Strength training offers even more brain-building effects. Resistance work triggers the release of muscle-based proteins that build new brain connections and stimulate irisin, a powerful hormone that crosses into the brain and directly boosts cognitive function (Mohammad et al., 2022). Let us not forget the power of slower movement, like yoga, tai chi, and mobility work. These practices are incredible for calming the nervous system and helping lower cortisol levels, which means less stress, better sleep, and a more balanced body and mind. In short, cardio wakes up the brain, resistance training strengthens it, and slower movement helps the body recover and stay grounded. However, doing all three in tandem gains resiliency with the body and mind.
The Right Kind of Exercise for Women Over 35
It is key to understand the right type and intensity of exercise for one’s season of life. For women over 35, this knowledge can be empowering, as it allows them to tailor their exercise routine to provide the most benefits:
- Aerobic exercise (like walking, running, or cycling): Improves memory and cognitive function.
- Strength Training (including resistance and weight training): Helps with overall brain health and cognitive performance.
- Mind-body practices (like Yoga or Tai Chi): Reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
It is also essential to find an intensity level that works. Moderate intensity works wonders for boosting mood and enhancing cognitive function, while high-intensity exercises can be efficient for fighting depression. The key is consistency, which means sticking to a routine that challenges and sustains your mental health.
Making Exercise a Habit
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be complicated. Consistency does not mean you need to train like an athlete overnight. It can be as simple as completing 1–2 workouts a week, even just 10–30 minutes at a time. Start with what feels comfortable. If a walk around the neighborhood feels manageable, then start there. From there, slowly layer in strength training and mobility work to build a stronger foundation.
The Big Picture
The research is clear: Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for boosting mental and cognitive health, especially as we age. For women over 35, staying active is critical for staying sharp, energized, and resilient. Whether managing stress, navigating anxiety, fighting off cognitive decline, or just wanting to feel like yourself again, incorporating movement into your life gives you a science-backed way to take control of your health. And the best part? It is never too late to start. Whether lacing up for a walk, picking up some weights, or rolling out a yoga mat, remember that every step, every rep, every stretch is an investment in a healthier mind and a stronger body.
References
1. Pujari V. Moving to Improve Mental Health – The Role of Exercise in Cognitive Function: A Narrative Review. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2024 Feb;16(Suppl 1): S26-S30. doi: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_614_23. Epub 2024 Feb 29. PMID: 38595617; PMCID: PMC11000952.
2. Smith, P. J., & Merwin, R. M. (2021). The role of exercise in management of mental health disorders: an integrative review. Annual review of medicine, 72(1), 45-62.
3. Peng J, Wu J. Effects of the FNDC5/Irisin on Elderly Dementia and Cognitive Impairment. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Mar 31;14:863901. Doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.863901. PMID: 35431908; PMCID: PMC9009536.
4. Mohammad Rahimi GR, Hejazi K, Hofmeister M. The effect of exercise interventions on Irisin level: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. EXCLI J. 2022 Feb 25;21:524-539. doi: 10.17179/excli2022-4703. PMID: 36110558; PMCID: PMC9441678.
5. Monika, U., & Romate, J. (2024). The Lesser-Known Phenomenon of Sports: A Systematic Review of Runners’ High. Indian Journal of Psychological Science Vol, 19(1).
Healthcare Practitioners for the LGBTQIA+ community
When we talk about advocacy at FemmePharma, we always circle back to the same concept.
What can we do to make things a little bit easier for someone else?
When we think about our community—a worldwide community of women, spanning experiences, histories, and geographies—we hold space for our sisters who are part of underserved, and often also misunderstood, communities.
In today’s blog, we focus on the LGBTQIA+ community. We support the LGBTQIA+ community’s right to access health care suited to their needs and building relationships with doctors who help us be agents in our own health stories.
Health care
The LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory, a joint venture from GLMA: Heath Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality and The Tegan and Sara Foundation, is an excellent place to start. The directory lists health care professionals trained in specific health needs and situations affecting the LGBTQ+ community. You can search by type of care (e.g. primary care, gender affirming hormone therapy), approach to care (e.g. sex positive, racial equity), and say whether you want in-person or telehealth and virtual support. The National LGBT Health Education Center, a program of The Fenway Institute, released a report offering an inclusive guideline for health care professionals looking after their LGBT patients.
These types of resources are critical because they speak to groups who need more than what traditional providers offer. In this case, those who are untrained in LGBTQIA+ patient care).
In general, interacting with our doctors can be a challenging experience for many people. (We are currently collecting stories from women about their frustrating experiences with doctors. If this is you, please leave a comment and we will reach out!) Connecting with medical staff trained in our specific health challenges and experiences, and potential ones, can offer a feeling of safety and assist us in creating healthful journeys. The best kinds of doctors show up 100% for us, exactly who we are, and where we are.
Other supports
This kind of attention is needed—all humans need and deserve compassionate care. Not only in terms of managing our physical health, but in terms of managing the other dimensions of our lives.
Trans Lifeline, an organization “by and for trans people,” sums up what it does as “Radical community care.” This concept—caring for each other, radically—is one FemmePharma firmly and happily advocates for.
Colage, another organization, does this by unifying “people with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual parent into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.”
In addition to these two organizations, we have identified others devoted to caring for LGBTQIA+ and transgendered populations. They are:
Being there, and here
As a pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare company, we are as devoted to knowledge sharing as we are to providing intimate health care help to women, wherever they are in their life cycle.
As we discussed in a recent blog post, the U.S. presidential administration poses challenges to the continuation of medical research for vulnerable and underserved groups, including women and LGBTQIA+ populations.
Advocacy organizations are at the ready. When you open up the National Center for Lesbian Rights’ website, a text box pops up: ‘Your Rights in California in Response to Recent Executive Orders—Get The Fact Sheet.” (Here it is.) Advocates for Trans Equality is “tracking all of the latest executive orders and the Trump Administration’s ongoing attacks on the trans community. Our lawyers and policy experts are on the front lines of this fight…”
Follow the work of organizations, like The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health, who are backing healthcare professionals committed to serving LGBTQIA+ communities. This an important step towards becoming informed and an advocate. Do you know of any other groups? Let us know in the comments!
Learning together is going to bat for each other.
What is a Nurse Navigator?
A Nurse Navigator is a registered nurse with clinical expertise who helps patients and their families deal with the demands of the complicated healthcare system. They serve as an advocate for the patient, as well as the liaison between the patient and providers. They are often called the “anchor” of a patient’s medical team.
Responsibilities of a Nurse Navigator include:
- Being the single point-of-contact for the patient and the providers.
- Advocating for patients’ needs to ensure they receive the best possible care.
- Providing patients with information about diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery process.
- Guiding patients through the system, including different departments, procedures, and specialists.
- Scheduling appointments, getting referrals, and coordinating care among the providers.
- Explaining medications, treatments, side effects, and follow-up care instructions.
- Tackling barriers to treatment, such as language, transportation, childcare, or cultural needs.
- Connecting patients with local resources and support services.
- Locating appropriate clinical trials for further treatment options.
- Offering emotional support, answering questions, and addressing concerns.
From diagnosis, all the way through treatment, into recovery and even beyond, a Nurse Navigator stays with patients and their families.
What are the benefits of having a Nurse Navigator?
With a Nurse Navigator at your side, you have a trusted colleague who knows your medical history and needs. From start to finish of your journey, they can explain everything in a way you’ll understand and make sure you’re comfortable being an active participant in your treatment. They’re glad to do the “heavy lifting” regarding coordinating care and working through unexpected situations. They are expert communicators and problem solvers.
Proven benefits of having a Nurse Navigator include:
- Better adherence to your treatment plan
- Fewer hospital admissions and re-admissions
- Greater confidence in managing your disease or condition
- Preparation for appointments with knowledge
- Relief of stress and anxiety for you and your family
How did Nurse navigators begin?
The first Patient Navigators worked in oncology units in Harlem, New York. Dr. Harold Freeman launched the first program in 1990, after noting that Black women with low economic status were diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer only 6% of the time. Their five-year survival rate was 39%. (In comparison, White women had a five-year survival rate of about 86%.)
Dr. Freeman hired Patient Navigators to guide his patients through appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The results were astounding: When 325 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, 41% of them had stage 0 or 1, with a five-year survival rate of 70%. Having a one-to-one individualized relationship with a Patient Navigator was the single factor in improving outcomes.
Patient Navigators (often non-medical staff, such as social workers) continue today to assist patients and their families with issues related to smoothing logistics, coordinating care, seeking financial aid, and eliminating barriers that prevent excellent medical treatment.
Nurse Navigators are a logical step beyond Patient Navigators. With years of specific experience, their medical knowledge can help their patients understand treatment options, make informed decisions, avoid complications, and ultimately have better prognoses.
Where do Nurse Navigators work?
You’ll find Nurse Navigators in hospitals, clinics, oncology centers, and healthcare systems. They may also work in outpatient and community centers. With modern technology, the nurses can work remotely, providing telemedicine visits for rural patients, as well as patients who are unable to easily travel to appointments.
Navigation programs for cancer have been in place since Dr. Freeman’s success; since 2012, they have been a Standard of Care requirement for accredited cancer treatment centers. Nurse Navigators are also employed to assist patients and their families with other serious medical conditions, including:
- Chronic diseases
- Cardiology
- Obstetrics
- Orthopedics
- Major surgical procedures
- Any complex diagnosis
When you consider all the professionals who are involved in a patient’s care, a Nurse Navigator becomes essential. Medical team members can include a primary care physician, oncologist, hematologist, radiologist, palliative care physician, pharmacist, rehabilitation therapist, dietician, genetic counselor, social worker, and mental health professional.
How can You find a Nurse navigator
If you or a family member receive a serious diagnosis, or are affected by a complicated chronic condition, ask your primary care provider for information. You can also call your hospital or cancer care center; many have a Nurse Navigator program in place. Members of patient support groups or organizations may also have recommendations.
Sources:
American Cancer Society, National Navigation Roundtable. History of Patient Navigation. Undated website page. Accessed 23 March 2025.
Androus A, Beyond the Bedside: Nurse Navigator. RegisteredNursing.org. Updated 15 February 2025. Accessed online 23 March 2025.
Bonavitacola J. Rule Change for Patient Navigation Billing Is a Boon to Oncology Care Practice, Leaders Say. American Journal of Managed Care. Volume 30, Issue 2. 16 February 2024. Accessed online 23 March 2025.
Bostelman C, Parent T. The Role of the Nurse Navigator in Facilitating Molecular Testing via a Reference Laboratory in NSCLC. Journal of Oncology Navigation Survivorship, Volume 15, Number 4. April 2024. Accessed online 23 March 2025.
Byrne A, Heney D, et al. Exploring the nurse navigator role: A thematic analysis. Journal of Nursing Management, Volume 28, Issue 4, May 2020. Accessed online 22 March 2025.
Cancer Stat Facts: Female Breast Cancer. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, National Cancer Institute, 2022. Accessed online 24 March 2025.
Freeman H, Rodriguez R. The History and Principles of Patient Navigation, Cancer, Volume 117, Issue 15, August 2011. Accessed online 23 March 2025.
Oh J, Ahn, S. Effects of Nurse Navigators During the Transition from Cancer Screening to the First Treatment Phase: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Nursing Research, Volume 15, Issue 5, December 2021. Accessed online 22 March 2025.
Prisma Health. How does a nurse navigator help after a cancer diagnosis? 30 August 2022. Accessed online 22 March 2025.