Why You Need to Attend the Rally on Research

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Fight CRC News
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On June 24 and 25, 2021, Fight Colorectal Cancer, in partnership with Dr. José Perea from Jimenez Diaz Foundation University Hospital in Madrid, Spain, is hosting the third annual early-age onset colorectal cancer (EAO CRC) international symposium, Rally on Research: EAO CRC

You have likely heard that rates of colorectal cancer in individuals younger than age 50 are rising at a startling rate in the US and several countries across the globe, while rates in older adults are decreasing.

There is an urgent need to understand the reasons for this global phenomenon and improve outcomes for all young people who receive a diagnosis. To combat this critical issue head-on, we are partnering with researchers, clinicians, advocacy organizations, and patient advocates around the world to ensure that there is dedicated space to align and coordinate research efforts at a global level.

We get that you have been invited to several virtual meetings this past year and may be tired of looking at lectures on your computer screen.

We hear you, and we agree. That’s why we designed this year’s symposium to be interactive and innovative. We promise that this will not just be a series of online lectures. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.

This year’s symposium will build upon the work accomplished in the past two years since Dr. Perea founded the EAO CRC International Symposium in Madrid and Fight CRC convened the EAO CRC International Expert Workgroup. In these meetings, top experts around the world from several disciplines have exchanged the latest knowledge and resources to collaborate on developing the global EAO CRC research agenda. They have made considerable momentum in studying the potential risk factors for EAO CRC and implementing approaches to improve early detection and patient care, but there is much more work to be done.

This year, we will continue to host a centralized location for leading experts in the field to exchange knowledge and innovative ideas of how we can drive the work forward. But wait, there's more! To ensure that these studies and clinical practices are best meeting the needs of early-age onset patients and their families, we felt it was imperative to build a bridge between the scientific and advocacy communities and create an engaging space to listen and learn from one another. We are rallying together to prioritize research on early-age onset colorectal cancer and align the current efforts. 

“The essential objective of the international symposium is to advance knowledge and create the bases for new international studies to solve this problem. The symposium will be a forum where the scientific and patient community proposes ideas and concerns that can immediately give rise to projects focused on responding to them. The more people we dedicate to this work, the sooner we can solve this problem.”

– José Perea, MD

THE EXPERIENCE

The Venue: 

The symposium is being hosted live on Hopin to provide an experience similar to a live conference, but without the travel expense. You will have the ability to enter and leave rooms, participate in workshop-style breakout sessions, hear live panel discussions, network with attendees from around the world, and explore abstracts and resource booths in the expo. Once you register, you’ll have access to all the content, for free! Join us according to your availability, for the full two days or just one session. 

The Agenda:

The 2021 Rally on Research: EAO CRC is a two-day event happening June 24 and 25, with live sessions occurring between 11am-3:30pm EST on both days.

In addition, the expo and networking spaces will be open for you to explore at your leisure beginning June 24 at 8am EST through June 25 until 8pm EST. The agenda includes more than 45 speakers and expert moderators from 12 countries across four continents.

Preview the agenda below and visit the event page on Hopin to see the full details and add sessions to your calendar.


Day 1: June 24

We'll focus on the patient and clinician perspective of how to improve patient care for the early-age onset community. Patients, caregivers, and clinicians will discuss the current efforts, challenges, and priorities.

Major Sessions
Global Kickoff (11-11:30am EST)

We’ll kick off with a brief history of the event and what drives our dedication to this work.

Patient and Caregiver Panel (11:30am-12:45pm EST)

Patients and caregivers from North America, Europe, and Australia will discuss experiences, challenges, and priorities for EAO CRC patients across the continuum of care, including diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship/quality of life.

Advocacy poster presentations and Q&A (12:45-2:00pm EST; Highlight and Q&A session 1:30-2:00pm EST)

Explore the work and resources of EAO CRC patient advocates and advocacy organizations across the globe. Join select advocates for a live Q&A about their projects.

Clinician Panel (2:00-3:15pm EST)

International clinicians will share their perspectives on current best practices, successes, and challenges with EAO CRC patient care.

Day 2: June 25

We'll focus on the current research efforts and outcomes. This day is designed to ensure researchers and health care providers have time to discuss research needs and bridge gaps from a scientific perspective. Patients are welcome to attend.

Major Sessions
EAO CRC Workgroup Project Showcase (11:10-11:30am EST)

Project leads will discuss the progress made and future directions for two major projects of Fight CRC’s global EAO CRC workgroup focused on better aligning how we study risk factors and signs and symptoms of EAO CRC.

International Perspectives of CRC Screening Guidelines and Implications for EAO CRC (11:30am–12:30pm EST)

We’ll discuss current CRC screening guidelines around the globe and implications for young adults that are at average risk or high risk for CRC.

Scientific Poster Presentations and Q&A (12:30–1:30pm EST)

Explore scientific studies on EAO CRC from across the globe. Join select researchers for a live Q&A on their work.

Treatment and Care Delivery for EAO CRC (1:00–1:45pm EST)

Experts on immunotherapy and rectal cancer treatment will discuss current strategies and innovations in treatment of EAO CRC patients across the globe.

EAO CRC Disparities: Society Meets Biology (Panel: 1:00-2:00 pm EST; Breakout Discussion: 2:00-2:45pm EST)

This panel will explore the complex factors contributing to EAO CRC disparities in certain populations. The panel discussion will be immediately followed by Q&A and breakout discussion.

Breakout Discussions (2:00–2:45pm EST)

Participate in one of 15 discussion-based breakout discussions on specific aspects of EAO CRC research, clinical care, and advocacy. Join a small group of your peers for an opportunity to discuss current efforts, strategies, and challenges on your research interest. There are particular sessions targeted to clinicians, researchers, and advocates. Check out the complete schedule to see which session appeals most to you

Funder’s Corner (2:45 –3:15 pmEST)

A panel of representatives from funding entities will discuss the current state of EAO CRC research funding and future opportunities in the US and internationally.

VIEW THE FULL AGENDA AND REGISTER NOW

Already attending? Share what you’re most excited about on social media and tag us @fightcrc. Use the pre-written messages and graphics from our communication toolkits, or create your own.