Connection between colorectal cancer, mental health — resources available for both

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is a good time for individuals and their family members to get screened, as well as acknowledge the impact on mental health a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) — and other cancers, as well — can have. 

According to Fight Colorectal Cancer and the National Library of Medicine, studies show that compared to the general population, colorectal cancer survivors experience reduced quality of life, with up to 37% of CRC survivors reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression.

To help individuals with mental health concerns following a colorectal cancer diagnosis, the Colon Cancer Foundation offers a list of specific resources. And there are mental health resources available from Purdue, which are referenced below.

Additionally, in conjunction with Cologuard and Exact Sciences, the Center for Healthy Living (CHL), is offering Cologuard — a noninvasive stool-based test that detects blood and abnormal DNA associated with colon cancer and pre-cancer. Note: To utilize Cologuard via the CHL, individuals do not have to be established patients with providers at any of the CHL locations.

Covered by Purdue’s health plans, Cologuard screening supports the financial wellness pillar — as well as the physical health pillar — of the Healthy Boiler Program, and is open to all qualifying benefits-eligible Purdue employees on the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses and spouses covered on a Purdue health plan. 

Cologuard is not intended for high-risk individuals, and the following restrictions apply:

1. Must be between 45 and 85 years old.
2. No personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colonic polyps.
3. No Cologuard screening within the past three years.
4. No colonoscopy in the last 10 years.

Employees and covered spouses who qualify can complete a pre-screening questionnaire on the Healthy Boiler Portal. After the questionnaire is submitted via the portal, the following will occur:

• CHL staff will reach out to schedule an appointment.
• After the appointment at the CHL, a Cologuard kit will be delivered to the patient’s home.
• The patient completes and returns the Cologuard kit to Cologuard/Exact Sciences in a prepaid envelope via U.S. mail.
• Results will be delivered to the CHL.
• CHL staff will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss results and next steps.

For more information on Purdue’s 2024 Cologuard campaign, visit the Screening for colon cancer with Cologuard webpage, the Cologuard webpage or call the CHL at 765-494-0111.

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff  

Faculty and staff can review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse.  

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique in-network mental health providers serving at various locations within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.    

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-Help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus — A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus — Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• TAO — Web and app-based mental health resource for students.