Patient Support Group in Japan
Nearly 150,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Japan in 2022, and more than 60,000 died of the disease. The incidence of CRC in Japan has been steadily rising since 2003 and mortality from colorectal cancer is predicted to increase by 15% over the next 20 years.
While colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are similar in Japan and the United States, the patient experience and advocacy landscape varies greatly. There are no colorectal cancer specific advocacy organizations in Japan.
Through the Patient Advocacy Mentorship program, the Global Colon Cancer Association and CancerNet Japan have built a partnership to address the needs of colorectal cancer patients in Japan. CancerNet Japan (CNJ) is an all-cancer advocacy group focused on providing patients with health educational information. They have not previously offered support group services. GCCA is focused on global colorectal cancer advocacy including patient education, patient support, policy advocacy, both globally and locally, and support and materials for local and regional advocacy organizations.
Through the partnership, it has become apparent that Japanese patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers are eager to have an opportunity to come together. And there is already and increasing movement towards patient and public involvement coming from Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency.
Together GCCA and CNJ have initiated a colorectal cancer support group. This pilot program includes 6 sessions held via Zoom to include participants from all over Japan. Three sessions include a medical seminar presented by healthcare professionals and a patient peer support session facilitated by advocates and patients. The medical seminars are cosponsored by CNJ and the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) colorectal cancer group. The other three meetings will focus only on patient peer support and discussion. Patient support sessions are presented by CNJ and GCCA.
The first session was held September 12, and 55 participants attended the medical seminar. “Towards a better tomorrow: Clinical trials transform colorectal cancer treatment” with speakers Yukihide Kanemitsu, Vice Director and Chief of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital and Yura Satake, Professor, Department of Clinical Oncology, Kochi University. The patient peer support session included more than 20 patients and caregivers, and featured Satoshi Kakimoto, a colon cancer survivor, who facilitated the colon cancer patient networking and support portion of the meeting. To accomodate all patients, three breakout rooms allowed participants to connect more closely. Volunteers Yuko Nakagawa and Ryu Yahagi also facilitated.
GCCA is so inspired to be working with CNJ on this project, and excited to bring peer support to colorectal cancer patients in Japan.
CancerNet Japan has more information, available in Japanese, and the full the schedule of future meetings here.