To reach this goal, the registries staff tries to make sure that patients receive early diagnosis and treatment. The registries accomplish this by screening family members of patients who may be at risk for colorectal cancer. The staff also ensures that patients diagnosed with the disease are aware of the necessary screenings and follow-up visits to their physicians. Because colorectal cancer and polyps have such a strong hereditary link, keeping track of patients and their family members through a registry saves lives. Referrals to the registry vary.
Patients often make their own appointments.
A community physician may send a patient to one of the Clinic's colorectal physicians, or a patient may hear about the registries from other family members who are Clinic patients. A registries team member will then ask that patient a series of questions about his or her family, in particular which family members have developed polyps or colorectal cancer. With the answers to those questions, the registries coordinator will determine that patient's family history and construct a family tree. This family tree can help determine other family members' risk for developing colon cancer. There are many advantages to being included in the registries.