What are we doing?

The Global EOCRC Think Tank (GEOCRCTT) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative led by Fight Colorectal Cancer in collaboration with Dr. Andrew (Andy) T. Chan, Dr. José Perea, and esteemed global partners. On June 18-19, 2025, we are convening experts in epidemiology, research, patient advocacy, and clinical care. We will discuss and prioritize research efforts to advance our shared goal to reduce EOCRC incidence and mortality worldwide.

This meeting will:

  • Examine regional differences in EOCRC etiology and care systems.
  • Address health disparities and inequities in access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Develop standardized tools and strategies to accelerate global research.
  • Foster sustainable collaboration across continents.

This is a critical milestone on Fight CRC’s Path to a Cure—an initiative aimed at advancing life-saving research and advocacy through global cooperation.

What are we doing?

The Global EOCRC Think Tank (GEOCRCTT) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative led by Fight Colorectal Cancer in collaboration with Dr. Andrew (Andy) T. Chan, Dr. José Perea, and esteemed global partners. On June 18-19, 2025, we are convening experts in epidemiology, research, patient advocacy, and clinical care. We will discuss and prioritize research efforts to advance our shared goal to reduce EOCRC incidence and mortality worldwide.

This meeting will:

  • Examine regional differences in EOCRC etiology and care systems.
  • Address health disparities and inequities in access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Develop standardized tools and strategies to accelerate global research.
  • Foster sustainable collaboration across continents.

This is a critical milestone on Fight CRC’s Path to a Cure—an initiative aimed at advancing life-saving research and advocacy through global cooperation.

“It’s exciting to know people are putting this effort into something that has really affected my life over the last few years…and knowing all these great minds are going to come together and try to find a path forward, whether it be with research or medical techniques is very encouraging.” JILL MACDONALD (in memory of), diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 37

“It’s exciting to know people are putting this effort into something that has really affected my life over the last few years…and knowing all these great minds are going to come together and try to find a path forward, whether it be with research or medical techniques is very encouraging.” JILL MACDONALD (in memory of), diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 37

“It’s exciting to know people are putting this effort into something that has really affected my life over the last few years…and knowing all these great minds are going to come together and try to find a path forward, whether it be with research or medical techniques is very encouraging.” JILL MACDONALD (in memory of), diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 37

Who is Attending

This is an invitation-only meeting. However, the global colorectal cancer community is invited to follow the work, explore insights, and stay connected through updates, reports, and future opportunities for engagement.

Who is Attending

This is an invitation-only meeting. However, the global colorectal cancer community is invited to follow the work, explore insights, and stay connected through updates, reports, and future opportunities for engagement.

WHAT IS #GEOCRCTT?

“It’s the first time we’ve ever hosted an international meeting, and we are thrilled to convene more than 75 scientists and patients, Global partners consistently ask us, ‘How can we meaningfully engage patients and reflect their voices in the science?’ Through this international coalition of scientists, we’re committed to advancing the science with patients at the center. We want to make sure the lessons we’ve learned in the U.S. are shared globally. This isn’t just about presenting research; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together to drive it forward. It’s a true dialogue around collaboration, and that level of global partnership simply hasn’t happened before.” -Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC

WHAT IS #GEOCRCTT?

“It’s the first time we’ve ever hosted an international meeting, and we are thrilled to convene more than 75 scientists and patients, Global partners consistently ask us, ‘How can we meaningfully engage patients and reflect their voices in the science?’ Through this international coalition of scientists, we’re committed to advancing the science with patients at the center. We want to make sure the lessons we’ve learned in the U.S. are shared globally. This isn’t just about presenting research; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together to drive it forward. It’s a true dialogue around collaboration, and that level of global partnership simply hasn’t happened before.” -Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC

WHAT IS #GEOCRCTT?

“It’s the first time we’ve ever hosted an international meeting, and we are thrilled to convene more than 75 scientists and patients, Global partners consistently ask us, ‘How can we meaningfully engage patients and reflect their voices in the science?’ Through this international coalition of scientists, we’re committed to advancing the science with patients at the center. We want to make sure the lessons we’ve learned in the U.S. are shared globally. This isn’t just about presenting research; it’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together to drive it forward. It’s a true dialogue around collaboration, and that level of global partnership simply hasn’t happened before.” -Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC

Frequently Asked Questions

The EOCRC Think Tank is an exclusive, international meeting focused on advancing research, advocacy, and policy solutions to address rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50.
Attendees include leading cancer researchers, oncologists, patient advocates, public health experts, and nonprofit leaders from over 23 countries representing six continents.

While the causes are not yet fully understood, the Think Tank seeks to explore and standardize research into genetic, environmental, and behavioral drivers across global populations.

This is an invitation-only meeting. However, public stakeholders can access insights through post-event reports, newsletters, and ongoing global initiatives by Fight CRC.

Join our newsletter and follow Fight CRC’s global initiatives to stay updated on new research, collaborations, and upcoming events.

Unlike traditional conferences, this is a working meeting with a mission to produce actionable outcomes. It is rooted in cross-disciplinary collaboration, equity, and international participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The EOCRC Think Tank is an exclusive, international meeting focused on advancing research, advocacy, and policy solutions to address rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 50.
Attendees include leading cancer researchers, oncologists, patient advocates, public health experts, and nonprofit leaders from over 23 countries representing six continents.

While the causes are not yet fully understood, the Think Tank seeks to explore and standardize research into genetic, environmental, and behavioral drivers across global populations.

This is an invitation-only meeting. However, public stakeholders can access insights through post-event reports, newsletters, and ongoing global initiatives by Fight CRC.

Join our newsletter and follow Fight CRC’s global initiatives to stay updated on new research, collaborations, and upcoming events.

Unlike traditional conferences, this is a working meeting with a mission to produce actionable outcomes. It is rooted in cross-disciplinary collaboration, equity, and international participation.

You Empower our Research. Your gift will give more time to patients and caregivers.

Thank you to our partners

Thank you to our partners

Community Voices
"Gay men or men having sex with men need to be aware of the prejudice that still persists with many doctors that rectal bleeding isn't a critical warning sign among gay men and can be ignored, when among straight men it gets immediate attention. If you have bleeding symptoms and your doctor is ignoring them, find a gay-friendly GI specialist or primary care doctor at once. It could save your life. There is stigma surrounding homosexuality, and the bowel and rectum." - Chris Carvalho, stage three rectal cancer survivor.

At 48, Chris noticed rectal bleeding and went for a colonoscopy. The endoscopist removed a couple of polyps and assured him the bleeding was from hemorrhoids, telling him he was probably too young to have cancer.

For the next three years, Chris's symptoms came and went—until they suddenly worsened. A second colonoscopy, done by a different doctor, revealed a tumor.

Chris believes his cancer was probably at an earlier stage when his symptoms first began, maybe even Stage I.

Since his diagnosis, Chris has heard from other gay men who faced similar experiences—symptoms dismissed with the assumption that "the bleeding is caused by anal sex." Chris urges other gay men to take their symptoms seriously: "The clock is ticking, and any delay in treatment could make life after treatment harder or even put your life at risk."

Chris's story is a powerful reminder: never let anyone dismiss your symptoms, no matter the reason.

Read more of his story with the link in bio, or share your own.
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#LGBTQ #PrideMonth #Love #Community #Support #Advocacy #Cancer #ColonCancer #RectalCancer #BowelCancer #ColorectalCancer #FightCRC #CancerSurvivor
"Build a strong support system, keep a positive attitude, stay upbeat and keep doing the things you love to do (if possible). These have been the keys to my current progress and how I cope."

For stage IV #coloncancer survivor Markham Rollins IV (@mrollinsiv), staying positive is part of how he approaches the fight. That won't look the same for everyone—and that's okay.

Whatever path you're on, you don't have to walk it alone. Join our Community of Champions and connect with others navigating #colorectalcancer.

https://community.fightcrc.org/
June 16–22 is FAP Awareness Week! 📣

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) is a rare but serious hereditary condition that significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer—nearly 100% if left untreated. Early diagnosis and proactive care can be life-saving.

Although it's rare, it's real—and you're not alone.

➡️ Learn more about FAP
🔎 Find expert care through our partners at @cga_igc : https://www.cgaigc.com/find-a-clinic
🧬 Looking for a genetic counselor? Visit our partners at NSGC to find one near you: https://findageneticcounselor.nsgc.org

Have FAP? Share your story so others know they're not alone.💙
This week, we're kicking off the Global Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank (#GEOCRCTT)!

We're teaming up with experts, researchers, advocates, and survivors from 29 countries to confront a shared crisis: colorectal cancer is rising in young people—everywhere.

Together, we're not just starting a conversation. We're fighting for answers, driving change, and working toward a future where fewer young lives are impacted.

We'll be sharing updates daily right here on social, and even more inside our Community of Champions (link in bio)!

Thank you to our global partners: @bowelcanceraustralia, @dice.europe, @bowelcanceruk, @globalcrc, @coloncanada, and @ibsal_iis.
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#GlobalThinkTank #ThinkTank #Research #Cancer #ColorectalCancer #BowelCancer #ColonCancer #RectalCancer #Collaboration #Science
This Father's Day, we're honoring dads like Steve Greene. 💙

Steve's story began in November 2012 when, at 43, he noticed some unusual symptoms. He was active, healthy, and not overly concerned. But a colonoscopy revealed stage IV colorectal cancer.

Just three years after losing his own father to prostate cancer, Steve and his family were stunned. But he faced the diagnosis head-on. With the support of his care team, family, neighbors, church, and the Fight CRC community, Steve finished his last round of chemo in January 2014. Now, more than a decade later, Steve is still raising awareness and pushing for earlier detection.

"It was a shock to hear the doctor tell me I had cancer when I was 43 years old. Today, it's a true blessing to share my story and be involved with a great organization like Fight CRC. CRC is preventable in so many cases if we know our family history, pay attention to symptoms, and get screened. Forty-five is the new 50. Don't wait to get screened."

We're proud to share Steve's story and celebrate the strength of dads everywhere.
"My father, Paul Shadle, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2016 at age 44. The day that he was diagnosed was terrible. I can remember falling to the floor and thinking, "Why him?"

My dad was strong — in fact he was the strongest person I have ever met. He never once complained about what he was going through or said it was unfair (although that's what I thought and felt about it). He loved to share his story and help other advocates spread awareness about colorectal cancer.

Looking back on that day my dad was diagnosed, I think about how strong he was and the strength that carried throughout his entire journey. As for me that day, I made it off the floor and got to watch one of the greatest men who has ever lived show me how to fight. Now, I ask myself, "How can I help others who are in the same situation he was in? How can we catch this cancer before it is stage 4 in other patients?"

This is how I am carrying my dad's torch." - Ryan Shadle (@ryan_shadle)

💙 Today, we carry the stories and legacies of all dads — those still with us, those facing colorectal cancer, and those we hold in our hearts. We remember them. We honor them. We fight in their name.
Who are clinical trials for?

Clinical trials are for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, not just those with stage IV cancer or limited treatment options.

Knowing your cancer stage, biomarkers, and treatment history is 🔑 when considering a trial. Not sure? Talk to your care team.

Looking for a doctor who offers clinical trials? Find one today using our provider finder!
Our #PRIDE merch is here and we're kind of obsessed! 🌈 

It's a bold way to show your Pride and raise awareness for #colorectalcancer.

What are you grabbing first? Tap the link in our bio to shop today!

Additional Resources

Summary Reports

2024 Think Tank Report
2023 Think Tank Report

Webinars

2024 Workshop Series
Biology & Etiology Workshop
Risk & Population-Based Screening
2023 Think Tank Recap

Early Onset Research

Research Timeline
Transforming EAO CRC Outcomes
EAO CRC Highlighted in Frontiers

Additional Resources

Summary Reports

2024 Think Tank Report
2023 Think Tank Report

Webinars

2024 Workshop Series
Biology & Etiology Workshop
Risk  & Population-Based Screening
2023 Think Tank Recap

Early Onset Research

Research Timeline
Transforming EAO CRC Outcomes
EAO CRC Highlighted in Frontiers