GCCA at the Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank

Last month, I was honored to represent the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) at the Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank in Barcelona, Spain, an initiative of Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC). We joined Fight CRC, Colorectal Cancer Canada, Bowel Cancer UK, Bowel Cancer Australia, and Digestive Cancers Europe for a two-day event where leading experts from research, healthcare, and advocacy gathered to develop a comprehensive research strategy aimed at reversing the troubling trend in EOCRC cases, especially among young adults.

We heard from leading researchers about new findings in their bid to illuminate the underlying causes behind the dramatic increase in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). The presentations covered both global and regional perspectives on etiology. Increases in known risk factors for colorectal cancer such as obesity, lack of physical activity, diet high in processed meat and low in fruits and vegetables, alcohol consumption, and smoking as well as environmental factors likely play a role. Researchers are especially interested in the effects of all these factors on the bacteria that live in the intestines, the microbiome. Genetic factors, including potentially oncogenic bacteria and gene mutations induced by bacterial toxins are also being studied. Circadian disruption is an emerging hypothesis in EOCRC etiology.

Breakout workgroup discussions centered on patients’ values and how we as patient advocates can connect patients’ lived experiences to the research being done on early-onset colorectal cancer, how research funding can be sustained, themes in scientific research, epidemiologic tools, and biobanking.

We are excited to keep the energy of the think tank going with our global partners and continue this important work.  

Learn more about early-onset colorectal cancer.

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