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.
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.
Healthy Alternatives to Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere in modern diets, from packaged snacks to ready meals. While convenient, these foods often contain artificial additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients that can negatively impact health, weight, metabolism, and hormonal balance. While this applies to everyone, it is especially important as women age, as hormonal changes can make the body more sensitive to dietary choices. Consuming ultra-processed foods may exacerbate issues such as blood sugar imbalances, increased inflammation, and weight gain, all of which can impact overall well-being during perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
Adopting an “Eat This, Not That” approach makes it easier to swap out ultra-processed foods for healthier, whole-food alternatives. By making simple changes, you can improve gut health, support hormone balance, and help reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods and Why Should We Limit Them?
The NOVA classification system categorizes foods based on the extent of their processing. It divides foods into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods (like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plain dairy), processed culinary ingredients (such as salt, oil, and sugar), processed foods (like canned beans, cheese, or homemade bread), and UPFs. UPFs go through multiple industrial processes, often containing artificial additives, preservatives, and refined ingredients that strip them of their natural nutrients. For example, a manufacturer does not process a fresh apple, processes apple sauce, and ultra-processes an artificially flavored apple snack bar.Unlike whole foods, manufacturers design UPFs for convenience but they can contribute to health issues due to their low nutrient density and high amounts of refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
Numerous studies link high UPF consumption to serious health risks:
- Increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes
- Higher likelihood of heart disease and high blood pressure.
- Disruptions to gut microbiota and hormonal balance, particularly in menopausal women.
- Increased mortality risk with regular UPF intake.
How to Identify Ultra-Processed Foods
Spotting UPFs is easier when you know what to look for on food labels.
- Long ingredient lists with artificial additives, preservatives, and emulsifiers.
- High amounts of refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and hydrogenated oils.
- Common examples include: Packaged snacks (like crisps and chocolate bars), instant noodles, soft drinks, flavored yogurts, processed meats (such as sausages and deli slices), sugary breakfast cereals, ready-made microwave meals, packaged white bread, sweetened plant-based milks, frozen pizzas, and bottled salad dressings.
Follow this simple rule: If you discover a product with more than five unrecognizable ingredients or substances you wouldn’t use in your home kitchen, it likely qualifies as ultra-processed.Industries often require processing these foods in ways that can’t be replicated at home. Instead, choose whole-food alternatives that contain natural, recognizable ingredients.
Eat This, Not That–Healthy Alternatives to Common Ultra-Processed Foods
One of the easiest ways to cut back on UPFs is to swap them for whole-food alternatives. Here’s a guide:
| Ultra-Processed Food | Healthy Alternative |
| Sugary breakfast cereals | Oats with fresh fruit and nuts |
| Flavored yoghurts | Plain Greek yoghurt + honey/berries |
| Processed meats (sausages, deli meats) | Grilled chicken, fresh turkey slices, tofu |
| Packaged snack bars | Homemade energy balls (dates, nuts, cocoa) |
| White bread | Whole grain sourdough, sprouted grain bread |
| Instant noodles and ready meals | Homemade soups, stir-fries, batch-cooked meals |
| Soft drinks and fruit juices | Infused water, herbal teas, coconut water (no added sugar) |
| Store-bought salad dressings | Homemade olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, tahini-based dressings |
Benefits of Whole Food Swaps
Supports gut health: Whole foods nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
- Balances hormones: Unprocessed foods help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
- Boosts metabolism: Protein-rich and fiber-filled alternatives promote satiety and sustained energy.
- Enhances nutrient absorption: Whole foods contain essential vitamins and minerals that the body can absorb more efficiently.
- Reduces inflammation: Diets rich in whole foods have been shown to lower markers of chronic inflammation.
Promotes long-term health: Whole food diets are linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.
Tips to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods in Your Diet
Incorporating wholesome, nutrient-dense meals into your diet is a great way to reduce ultra-processed food consumption. Here are some delicious meal ideas to help you get started:
Breakfast: Savoury Cottage Cheese & Herb Omelette
Lunch: Avocado and Walnut Salad
Dinner: Turmeric & Ginger Quinoa Bowl
Making small, sustainable changes can significantly impact your health. Here’s how:
- Meal prep & batch cooking: Prepping meals in advance helps avoid convenience foods.
- Read labels carefully: Choose products with minimal, whole-food ingredients.
- Prioritize protein and fiber: Whole foods keep hunger and cravings at bay.
- Opt for natural sweeteners: Honey, dates, or mashed ripe bananas are better choices than artificial sweeteners.
- Cook more at home: Simple, quick recipes make whole food eating easier.
Reducing ultra-processed foods doesn’t mean giving up convenience, it’s about making smarter choices. Small, consistent swaps can lead to significant health benefits, including better energy, hormone balance, and long-term wellness.
What does activism mean at FemmePharma?
Activism to us means speaking up for vulnerable populations, calling attention to vulnerable moments, and joining the discourse around what social supports provide safety to each other.
As a pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare company providing quality products to aid women’s bodily health and comfort, we know the importance of clinical research. We rely on data to maximize our products’ effect on the women we are supporting.
Recently, the U.S. government’s Department of Government Efficiency proposed a series of cuts to research funding. FemmePharma, like our pharma colleagues, partners with academic institutions, as regular practice. Through them, we gain access to preclinical and clinical research, formulation and development, and other forms of technology transfer. The future of informed pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and healthcare, is at risk.
When academic institutions lose research funding, pharma companies like us, who rely on that data, lose. The bottom line is you—health and remedy-seeking individuals—lose bigtime, because without accurate date on you, we cannot create the products you need.
We’ve identified three areas that speak to Pharma’s critical collaboration with academic institutions.
Driving innovation & technological advancement
Universities give access to basic research, which fuels discovery. Industries use discoveries for commercialization, and they help companies maintain a competitive edge, too. The multidisciplinary approach employed by many universities means that challenges get solved through the benefit of combined expertise—a good model for industry. Academia and industry partnerships ultimately bridge the knowledge gap, creating innovative solutions for our many world challenges.
Access to expertise & talent
Universities cultivate a skilled workforce by producing graduates who are ready to drive industry growth with their specialized knowledge. These institutions offer mentorship and training programs, which help students-cum-professionals advance in their fields, and provide industry with access to researchers and students. All of this enhances research commercialization.
Translating research into practice
Collaboration is crucial in translating research into practice because it converts academic findings into actionable, commercial applications. Universities provide access to resources—and their facilities are essential for supporting extensive R&D initiatives. These industry-academia partnerships can also lead to funding opportunities through joint ventures.
What, now?
At FemmePharma, we already feel the loss. For example, one of our research partners had to lay off most of its staff, so we can’t recruit their participants for a pivotal phase 3 study. We are exploring collaboration with academic partners outside of the U.S. but are hearing concern from our allies in Western Europe—over the rhetoric and policies of our current administration.
Here’s a FemmePharma-favorite analogy: when a surgeon wants to remove a lesion, she uses a scalpel, not a machete.
We need this kind of approach to budget control, especially regarding research—keep what works and get rid of what doesn’t, because our lives depend on it. A thorough approach to structure research funding is how we can continue building the knowledge we need to support us all with solutions to live well.
P.S. Our CEO, Gerie, raised these points in a letter she recently wrote to Senator McCormick (R-PA). We encourage everyone to step into your agency and speak up for what you believe in. What do you want your elected officials to pay attention to? Use your voice and tell them!