GCCA Attends BLOODPAC Meeting
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of representing the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) at the BLOODPAC meeting in Madison, Wisconsin. BLOODPAC (the Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer) brings together researchers, regulators, clinicians, industry leaders, and patient advocates with one shared goal: advancing liquid biopsy technologies to improve cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment. GCCA became a member of BLOODPAC earlier this year.
What makes BLOODPAC so powerful is its multi-stakeholder approach. Progress in cancer diagnostics and precision medicine cannot happen in silos. Regulators need to understand the realities of clinical practice, industry must recognize the needs of patients, and researchers benefit when their work is grounded in real-world patient experiences. This meeting underscored how essential it is to bring all voices to the table to accelerate innovation and ensure equitable access.
We were generously hosted by Exact Sciences, and it was exciting to tour their facilities and see firsthand where cancer screening and diagnostic tests are processed. Experiencing the science and innovation up close was a powerful reminder of the impact this work has on patients’ lives, and of the importance of ensuring these tools are accessible to all.
As part of the Accessibility Working Group, I was proud to contribute insights on behalf of patients around the world. As liquid biopsy technologies are developed, access and equity are at the forefront, so that no patient is left behind due to geography, income, or systemic barriers. Representing the global patient voice means constantly asking: How will these advances reach underserved communities? What barriers to testing and treatment must be addressed? How can patients be empowered to make informed decisions about their care?
The in-person member meeting reinforced the importance of ongoing collaboration and gave me renewed energy to continue advocating for patient-centered solutions in cancer research. At GCCA, we remain committed to ensuring that liquid biopsy and biomarker-driven care are not just scientific breakthroughs, but also tools that improve outcomes for all patients, regardless of where they live. I am grateful to BLOODPAC for creating a space where patients are not only included but valued as equal partners in this critical work.