Early Onset Research
Fight CRC is at the forefront of tackling early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) through dynamic research and global collaboration.
Early Onset Research
Fight CRC is at the forefront of tackling early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) through dynamic research and global collaboration.
We believe research is the key to preventing future cases of early-onset colorectal cancer, uncovering answers to why the phenomenon is happening, and discovering breakthrough treatment options. We’ve been focused on EOCRC for many years, and our commitment is unwavering and strong.
Here is a timeline that unfolds our comprehensive efforts to drive change and offer new hope.
We believe research is the key to preventing future cases of early-onset colorectal cancer, uncovering answers to why the phenomenon is happening, and discovering breakthrough treatment options. We’ve been focused on EOCRC for many years, and our commitment is unwavering and strong.
Here is a timeline that unfolds our comprehensive efforts to drive change and offer new hope.
2024
Identifying Key Strategies for Immediate Impact
In 2024, we kept the conversations going with a three-part Early Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC) Workshop Series.
- Part 1, “Risk stratification and population-based screening“
- Part II, “Biology & Etiology“
- Part III, “Accelerating Progress in Global EOCRC Research: Key Strategies for Immediate Impact”
Internationally renowned experts shared crucial insights on detecting red flag signs and symptoms, innovative management strategies, and global collaboration efforts. With a conclusion focused on future directions, we set the stage for the next steps towards transformative advancements in EOCRC research worldwide.
Achievements
- Engaged international researchers and advocates
- Emphasized strategies for immediate impact
- Laid the foundation for a global EOCRC conversation
- A follow-up to our 2023 meeting was published in Frontiers: Oncology’s Research Topic on Disparities in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
- EOCRC working group members Joshua Demb, PhD, MPH and Jennifer M. Kolb, MD, MS published in the Open JAMA Network Publication: “Red flag signs and symptoms and delays in diagnosis for early-onset colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” This study was covered in a May 24, 2024 article in the New York Times.
2023
Transforming Research and Outcomes
Our 2023 initiatives were aimed at transforming the landscape of early-age onset colorectal cancer. Through the Early-Age Onset Research Think Tank, we didn’t just build on past efforts, but we set ambitious goals to change the future of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Achievements
- Groundbreaking Think Tank sessions
- Focus on comprehensive research and collaborative efforts
- NCI partnered with us to host this discussion
- Awarded a research grant focused on developing non-invasive biomarkers that can be used to identify patients with early-age onset colorectal cancer in a highly specific and sensitive manner.
2022
Broadening the Spectrum of Advocacy
In December of 2021, we saw a need to not only convene researchers, but expand our efforts to be a bridge for research and advocacy efforts. Throughout 2022, through our think tanks and influential reports, we sought to understand the disease better and pave a clear path toward a cure, advocating for those affected by this condition.
Achievements
- Expansion of research and advocacy efforts
- Engaged the Department of Defense, FDA, CDC, and NCI
- Published the Path to a Cure report outlining a roadmap for research
2021
A Rally for Research and Prevention
In June 2021, we kept the momentum going. We hosted a Rally on Research spotlighting the critical familial component and genetic factors of early-age onset colorectal cancer. This virtual event was a platform for sharing groundbreaking research, setting the stage for novel prevention strategies and deeper understanding.
Keeping the discussions moving forward, the 4th Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium was hosted in partnership with IBSAL in June 2022.
Achievements
- Insightful research presentations at the Rally on Research
- New prevention strategies unveiled
- Patients from all over the world joined a global discussion on EAO CRC
- In May 2021, the USPSTF lowered the colorectal cancer screening age to 45.
2020
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
The momentum continued in 2020 with the NCI Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank, where the foundation laid by our workgroup was expanded upon. This gathering was a confluence of minds and missions, aimed at accelerating research and developing actionable strategies against this disease.
Joining Dr. Jose Perea, the 2nd Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium was hosted in partnership with IBSAL.
Achievements
- Enhanced research methodologies
- Strengthened collaborative networks
- Garnered the attention of the NCI for further funding
- The USPSTF draft language considered lowering the screening age; Fight CRC and our EOCRC Workgroup submitted public comments in support.
- Our EOCRC work was featured in USA Today.
2019
The Genesis of a Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Workgroup
In 2019, Fight CRC initiated a groundbreaking workgroup that brought together international experts who delved into the intricacies of sporadic early onset colorectal cancer. This multidisciplinary team’s mission was to dissect the rising incidence rates and forge pathways to innovative solutions.
Experts who attended the February 2019 meeting included epidemiologists, biostatisticians, oncologists, and researchers from the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. A manuscript of the meeting summary was published in the August 2019 edition of Gastroenterology, followed by a commentary also published in Gastroenterology in December 2019. Additionally, Fight CRC was published in an ASCO Educational Book for our research on EAO CRC.
Achievements
- Formation of a global discussion focused on early-age onset colorectal cancer
- Advanced colorectal cancer screening literature and publications
- Spearheaded scientific efforts that led to the screening age being lowered to 45 years old
- Manuscript published in Gastroenterology: “A Summary of the Fight Colorectal Cancer Working Meeting: Exploring Risk Factors and Etiology of Sporadic Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer“
- Commentary published in Gastroenterology: “Prioritizing Actionable Steps to Decrease the Incidence of Early Age Colorectal Cancer“
- Chapter published in ASCO Educational Book: “Colorectal Cancer in the Young: Epidemiology, Prevention, Management“
2024
Identifying Key Strategies for Immediate Impact
In 2024, we kept the conversations going with a three-part Early Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC) Workshop Series.
- Part 1, “Risk stratification and population-based screening“
- Part II, “Biology & Etiology“
- Part III, “Accelerating Progress in Global EOCRC Research: Key Strategies for Immediate Impact”
Internationally renowned experts shared crucial insights on detecting red flag signs and symptoms, innovative management strategies, and global collaboration efforts. With a conclusion focused on future directions, we set the stage for the next steps towards transformative advancements in EOCRC research worldwide.
Achievements
- Engaged international researchers and advocates
- Emphasized strategies for immediate impact
- Laid the foundation for a global EOCRC conversation
- A follow-up to our 2023 meeting was published in Frontiers: Oncology’s Research Topic on Disparities in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
- EOCRC working group members Joshua Demb, PhD, MPH and Jennifer M. Kolb, MD, MS published in the Open JAMA Network Publication: “Red flag signs and symptoms and delays in diagnosis for early-onset colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” This study was covered in a May 24, 2024 article in the New York Times.
2023
Transforming Research and Outcomes
Our 2023 initiatives were aimed at transforming the landscape of early-age onset colorectal cancer. Through the Early-Age Onset Research Think Tank, we didn’t just build on past efforts, but we set ambitious goals to change the future of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Achievements
- Groundbreaking Think Tank sessions
- Focus on comprehensive research and collaborative efforts
- NCI partnered with us to host this discussion
- Awarded a research grant focused on developing non-invasive biomarkers that can be used to identify patients with early-age onset colorectal cancer in a highly specific and sensitive manner.
2022
Broadening the Spectrum of Advocacy
In December of 2021, we saw a need to not only convene researchers, but expand our efforts to be a bridge for research and advocacy efforts. Throughout 2022, through our think tanks and influential reports, we sought to understand the disease better and pave a clear path toward a cure, advocating for those affected by this condition.
Achievements
- Expansion of research and advocacy efforts
- Engaged the Department of Defense, FDA, CDC, and NCI
- Published the Path to a Cure report outlining a roadmap for research
2021
A Rally for Research and Prevention
In June 2021, we kept the momentum going. We hosted a Rally on Research spotlighting the critical familial component and genetic factors of early-age onset colorectal cancer. This virtual event was a platform for sharing groundbreaking research, setting the stage for novel prevention strategies and deeper understanding.
Keeping the discussions moving forward, the 4th Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium was hosted in partnership with IBSAL in June 2022.
Achievements
- Insightful research presentations at the Rally on Research
- New prevention strategies unveiled
- Patients from all over the world joined a global discussion on EAO CRC
- In May 2021, the USPSTF lowered the colorectal cancer screening age to 45.
2020
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
The momentum continued in 2020 with the NCI Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank, where the foundation laid by our workgroup was expanded upon. This gathering was a confluence of minds and missions, aimed at accelerating research and developing actionable strategies against this disease.
Joining Dr. Jose Perea, the 2nd Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Symposium was hosted in partnership with IBSAL.
Achievements
- Enhanced research methodologies
- Strengthened collaborative networks
- Garnered the attention of the NCI for further funding
- The USPSTF draft language considered lowering the screening age; Fight CRC and our EOCRC Workgroup submitted public comments in support.
- Our EOCRC work was featured in USA Today.
2019
The Genesis of a Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Workgroup
In 2019, Fight CRC initiated a groundbreaking workgroup that brought together international experts who delved into the intricacies of sporadic early onset colorectal cancer. This multidisciplinary team’s mission was to dissect the rising incidence rates and forge pathways to innovative solutions.
Experts who attended the February 2019 meeting included epidemiologists, biostatisticians, oncologists, and researchers from the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. A manuscript of the meeting summary was published in the August 2019 edition of Gastroenterology, followed by a commentary also published in Gastroenterology in December 2019. Additionally, Fight CRC was published in an ASCO Educational Book for our research on EAO CRC.
Achievements
- Formation of a global discussion focused on early-age onset colorectal cancer
- Advanced colorectal cancer screening literature and publications
- Spearheaded scientific efforts that led to the screening age being lowered to 45 years old
- Manuscript published in Gastroenterology: “A Summary of the Fight Colorectal Cancer Working Meeting: Exploring Risk Factors and Etiology of Sporadic Early-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer“
- Commentary published in Gastroenterology: “Prioritizing Actionable Steps to Decrease the Incidence of Early Age Colorectal Cancer“
- Chapter published in ASCO Educational Book: “Colorectal Cancer in the Young: Epidemiology, Prevention, Management“