Our Priority:

Push the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to prioritize colorectal cancer by creating a strategic action plan for colorectal cancer research.

The plan should include specific strategies to address:

• The growing number of young people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• The persistent health disparities in colorectal cancer prevalence, screening and outcomes
• The lack of progress in the development of effective treatment options for colorectal cancer.

Why This is Important:

• The NCI has failed to prioritize colorectal cancer. We need a strategic action plan to create a roadmap to a world without colorectal cancer informed by patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, industry, and the various federal agencies that impact colorectal cancer.
• Colorectal cancer diagnoses are increasing in young people. By 2030, colorectal cancer is projected to be the No. 1 cancer killer for those under age 50.
• Colorectal cancer disproportionately impacts communities of color. Racial and ethnic minorities are more likely than white individuals to present with late-stage, incurable disease.
• Despite these pressing challenges, federal investment and innovation have not kept pace. Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women combined, and there has been a lack of progress in the development of effective therapeutics.
• The plan will serve as both a guide and a benchmark for progress on colorectal cancer funding, research and outcomes.

What We Are Doing:

Asking that the House and Senate Appropriations Committees include report language (it’s faster than introducing a bill!) in their FY23 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bills to direct NCI to develop a strategic action plan for colorectal cancer research.

Background:

The NCI has failed to prioritize colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women, and by 2030, colorectal cancer is expected to be the number one cancer killer for those ages 20-49. Despite these worrying statistics, federal funding for colorectal cancer research has not been consistent and there have not been meaningful advancements in treatment options for the vast majority of patients.

Colorectal cancer also disproportionately impacts communities of color. Across the board, racial and ethnic minorities are more likely than white individuals to present with late-stage, incurable disease. Black Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer and are less likely to survive the disease than white individuals. American Indian/Alaskan Natives also have higher rates of colorectal cancer compared to the general population and represent the only racial/ethnic group for whom colorectal cancer mortality rates are not declining.