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Wenora Johnson’s 3 rounds of cancer have left her a strong believer in genetic testing and patient advocacy. She is writing a book, In Spite of it All, and serves as a research advocate, to bring the perspective of a patient to the colorectal cancer research process.
In 2011, Wenora was diagnosed with Stage 3B Colon Cancer. “I knew I was in for the fight of my life, so I began to educate myself. I discovered Fight Colorectal Cancer, a patient advocacy group dedicated to providing support for people diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A big component of this is making people aware about the genetic links in colorectal cancer.
“This cancer experience opened up a new chapter in my life. My research led me to take on an active role in research and advocacy with Fight Colorectal Cancer. I became a “RATS” (Research Advocacy Training and Support) member, meaning that I am advocating for the advancement of research, which is crucial to finding new and better treatments for patients with cancer.
“In 2016, African-Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer had the highest rate of death and the shortest survival period compared with other people with this disease.
“So in June 2017, with the help of Eli Lilly and Company, our advocacy group launched a campaign called “Biomarked” to increase awareness of the role of biomarker and genetic testing in colorectal cancer.”
For more information on why this may be important to you, we invite you to visit www.FightCRC.org.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we hope that this interview will provide information and encouragement to those dealing with colorectal cancer and to raise awareness of the need for timely screening.
Subsequently through DNA testing Wenora was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, a familial syndrome that raises your risk of developing colorectal and other cancers. With this early warning information, she was able to take steps to avoid the worst consequences of Lynch. For more information about Lynch syndrome, see lynchcancers.com. If others in your family have had any of these cancers, talk with your doctor, and you may wish to consult with a genetic counselor.
