Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) and the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer (CGA-IGC) are proud to announce the 2025 recipient of the Early Career Award—Max R. Van Belkum, M.D./Ph.D. candidate (Year 5) in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

This research grant supports innovative projects aimed at driving progress in science, clinical care, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes, familial colorectal cancer, and early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC).

Van Belkum’s project, “Early-Life Antibiotics Supercharge Colibactin Mutagenesis: An Actionable Driver of EOCRC,” investigates how early-life antibiotic exposure may accelerate colibactin-driven DNA damage, a critical factor linked to the rising incidence of EOCRC. With mentorship from Mariana X. Byndloss, D.V.M., Ph.D., his work aims to uncover actionable pathways for prevention and treatment strategies that could reduce risk for younger generations.

“We often do not identify a genetic cause for an early-onset colorectal cancer diagnosis,” said Beth Dudley Yurkovich, MS, MPH, CGC, CGAF, President of CGA-IGC. “While that can be reassuring with respect to future cancer risk and risk for family members, it leaves the question of why this happened. Research like Dr. Van Belkum’s is key to identifying and understanding non-inherited risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer and will ultimately lead to better options for risk stratification, early-detection, and prevention.”

An award ceremony will take place at the CGA-IGC Annual Meeting on October 8, 2025 in St. Louis Missouri where Van Belkum will be recognized for his contribution.

“We are honored to present the Early Career Award alongside CGA-IGC,” said Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC. “Max’s research pushes the boundaries of what we know about early-onset colorectal cancer and highlights the urgent need for actionable science. Our partnership with CGA-IGC is about amplifying bold, innovative research that can change the trajectory of this disease for future generations.”

This award reinforces the shared commitment of Fight CRC and CGA-IGC to advancing research, advocacy, and clinical care for individuals impacted by colorectal cancer and hereditary cancer syndromes.

For more information about CGA-IGC and Fight CRC, please visit cgaigc.com and fightcrc.org.