What Is Appendix Cancer?
The exact function of the appendix is unknown, but it is a pouch-like structure which is attached to the large intestine. When cells in the appendix begin to grow and change uncontrollably, a tumor forms leading to cancer in the appendix region. Appendix cancers are very rare with 1-2 people out of every one million being diagnosed with it, and its survival rate greatly varies depending on the size and spread of the tumor. The most common types of this cancer are:
- Carcinoid tumors: Rare, slowly growing cancer type
- Mucinous neoplasms: Usually benign (noncancerous) but can include lesions with precancerous potential
- Appendix adenocarcinoma: Aggressive and rare
- Goblet cell carcinomas: More aggressive than carcinoid tumors and has characteristics of adenocarcinoma and carcinoid tumors
What ACS Resources Exist?
ACS provides many resources and programs focused specifically on carcinoid tumors. For example, there is a comprehensive guide for those with or who know someone with carcinoid tumors. This guide reviews what the tumor is, its signs and symptoms, and the available and recommended treatments to help fight it. ACS also provides more in-depth articles about the particular components of this guide:
ACS also runs many programs and creates many resources to assist those with cancer including carcinomas. One of these resources is a 24/7 cancer helpline to provide support and assistance around the clock for caregivers and those battling cancer. Additionally, ACS understands the difficulty of treatment and how draining it can be, so the Society tries to make it as easy as possible for the afflicted. ACS helps achieve such a goal by providing lodging during treatment and rides to treatment, also known as the Road to Recovery Program. These resources work to make cancer care more accessible by reducing the obstacles of geographical distance and available modes of transportation. Overall, ACS is here to help improve the quality and accessibility of cancer care and provide resources and information to ease the burden of cancer. To learn more about these various resources, go here.
How Can You Get Involved?
There are many avenues to get involved in fighting both cancer and specifically appendix cancers. One way to get involved in general is becoming a Road to Recovery volunteer driver. These volunteers take patients to and from the facilities where they are to receive treatment. This volunteering role plays a huge role in mitigating disparities in cancer care. To volunteer in this role, go here.
Another simple way to get involved is by being up-to-date in knowing information about appendix cancers to best be prepared so you know what to do if you or someone you know has this cancer. Many of the informational resources cited in this blog post can be found here, and these resources are a great way to be prepared as preparation is key in the fight against cancer.