BAG IT
Tucson, Arizona
Bag It Cancer equips cancer patients with comprehensive, easy-to-understand information and resources to navigate their diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, enhancing their ability to advocate for themselves and improve their quality of life. Founded in 2003 by breast cancer survivor Sherri Romanoski, who personally faced the overwhelming and confusing experience of a cancer diagnosis, Bag It Cancer was created to fight the fear and uncertainty that comes with such life-altering news. With the support of fellow survivors and oncologists, Sherri put together a bag of resources that includes a 3-ring binder and 4 publications. These publications cover topics from diet, and nutrition to physical activity and psychosocial aspects of a cancer diagnosis. Bag It Cancer provides an organized binder and essential booklets in a simple, reusable bag designed for ease of travel to doctors’ appointments, lab tests, and treatments. This binder helps patients keep track of critical information—family medical history, insurance details, medications, treatment calendars, and lab results—all in one place. Bag It empowers patients to stay organized and communicate more effectively with their healthcare team. As Mary from Illinois shared, “the binder helped organize labs and doctor teams. This Bag gives hope - help and awareness and taught me that no question is stupid." Additionally, Bag It Cancer connects patients with reliable resources, helping them understand their treatment path and survivorship plan. In an era of misinformation, Bag It directs patients to trusted organizations like the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO). The publications offer information on clinical trials, fertility concerns, and genetic testing, alongside a glossary of complex medical terms such as "adjuvant therapy," "in situ," and "neutropenia." More informed people create more empowered people. Empowered people in turn help create a better health system for patients and providers. Patricia from Pennsylvania shares, “the Bag It Bag gave me pointers on how to do things and explained things that I did not know. The information provided encouraged me to be a better advocate for myself”. Research underscores the need for Bag It Cancer's work. A systematic review of cancer patients revealed that 69% of lung cancer patients and 81% of colorectal cancer patients had an inaccurate understanding of their treatment options and likelihood of remission. A survey by Veterans Affairs showed that less than half of the veterans they serve possess the health literacy skills needed to navigate their diagnosis. Meanwhile, 22% of rural and 28% of tribal communities in America lack access to basic health education or telehealth services. Bag It Cancer is committed to changing these alarming statistics. Our mission is to ensure that every cancer patient fully understands their diagnosis, treatment options, and feels empowered to advocate for themselves at every appointment. For two decades, Bag It Cancer has guided over 100,000 cancer patients in all 50 states. With healthcare providers distributing our resources in 5 states, we aim to achieve a 40% growth target in 2024. As you consider how to partner with Bag It Cancer, let the words of our patients remind you of the impact we make, and the lives we continue to change. “It was very helpful being able to log all my past & present Dr. appointments and all medications (OTC & prescriptions) in one place. I found it very helpful to have everything in one place and have a list of questions for my doctor.” – Cancer Survivor in Indiana “The Bag It Bag helps me feel more organized. Having a community helps me feel better able to cope with my diagnosis. The information helps me feel better prepared for appointments.” – Cancer Survivor in Idaho “Love what I received. Very unique and so helpful in organizing my data. I am someone who likes to write everything down so this is perfect for me. Thank you so much! It reminded me to do certain things since I have bad chemo brain when it comes to short term memory.” – Barbara in Massachusetts
1 person every 15 seconds will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
That is over 2 million people in the U.S.
"My own cancer diagnosis came in the Fall. In the midst of the confusion and fear of the “new world” of testing, obscure vocabulary and pivotal decisions, came my “Bag It” package. It was a relief--at last; somewhere I could input data, keep track of the process and feel a tiny bit of control over what was happening (a most welcome illusion, at that point!)" -Jill ... Mehr lesen
