Preview: 5 Advocates To Attend 2014 GI Cancer Symposium

• 

Advocacy Blog
hero symbol

Next week, five research advocates from Fight Colorectal Cancer will attend the 2014 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium in San Francisco, CA. This annual conference presents the latest science in treating all GI cancers, including colorectal cancer.

According to the Symposium, it “offers a fresh perspective on gastrointestinal cancers, with a special focus on the most pertinent information oncologists of all subspecialties need to know now in order to provide the highest quality of care.”

It’s expected that researchers, physicians, scientists and others who work in the GI cancer field will attend. But thanks to survivors willing to use their voices and our research advocacy program – patients will also have a presence (and a voice) during the conference, too. Trained research advocates from Fight Colorectal Cancer’s Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) group will attend the Symposium to learn about everything from the scientific process to drug development and more.

We look forward to hearing about the latest issues impacting colorectal cancer patients including:

  • Directed therapies for primary and metastatic liver disease
  • Multidisciplinary approach for stage lV colon and rectal cancer
  • Tumor profiling In colorectal cancer
  • Controversies concerning chemotherapy for all stage II colon cancer
  • Radiotherapy in rectal cancer
  • Drug development for treating colorectal cancer
  • New clinical trials and how they are going
  • Hope for the future of stage III and IV patients

Why Send Research Advocates?

We’re proud of our RATS group and the individuals who volunteer their time to bridge the gap between patients and researchers. Our advocates take their experiences with colorectal cancer and use them to help others. Just take a look at why some of the attendees signed up to become a research advocate and attend this Symposium:

“I want to have a clearer understanding of where we stand with treatment options for all stages of colorectal cancer. I have heard a lot about genomics and now immunotherapy and am excited to have the opportunity to learn directly from researchers in these areas.” – Elaine Newcomb

“I am on the cancer advisory board at my hospital and I run the support group. I want to be able to take back what I learn to help others and translate the new research for them! Also, Pat Steer and Kate Murphy were both my heroes and I can only hope to gain all the knowledge they both had.” – Liz Dennis

“I was first a policy and awareness advocate but after meeting and then losing some wonderful friends and acquaintances, I knew I needed to do more. RATS introduced me to the scientific side of colorectal cancer. At first I was completely intimidated and afraid of being involved with scientists but I have found they need survivors as much as we need them. We give scientists information they cannot find in the lab. They count on us just as much as we count on them.” – Kristin Keesen

Furthering our Vision – Victory over CRC

Research and advocacy stand as two of our highest priorities and the RATS group makes our vision - victory over colorectal cancer –a reality. We look forward to hearing the latest science news that our research advocates discover while at the Symposium Jan. 15-18, 2014.

We have no doubt the information they receive will inspire us to keep the fight alive and hope that one day, we will find a cure.

More…

Read the press release.

Interested in hearing about the research discussed during this Symposium? We’re partnering with Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) to bring you the latest news and updates from the Symposium.

Special note: Thank you to Genentech and Genomic Health for the opportunity to send research advocates through this program!