Latest news with #EOCRC
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC) advocates to lower the age for colorectal cancer screening to 45 for Canadians at average risk Français
MONTREAL, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Colorectal Cancer Canada, through its Never Too Young (N2Y) initiative, is launching an advocacy campaign to lower the colorectal cancer screening age to 45 for average-risk Canadians and to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, and risk reduction strategies—particularly targeting individuals under 50. "Our objective is to ensure that young Canadians do not ignore the signs and symptoms just because of their age and that they are aware of their family medical history and risk level, as we call on our provincial and territorial health ministries to lower the screening age for colorectal cancer throughout the country to 45," said Mr. Barry D. Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada. Colorectal Cancer doesn't care how old you are Colorectal cancer is often mistakenly viewed as "an old person's disease". The reality is that early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), which arises in individuals below the age of 50, is on the rise, while Canada is experiencing a decline in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in people aged 50 and over. While most new cases still occur in those aged 50 and older, Canadians born after 1980 are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to earlier generations. Furthermore, younger adults tend to be diagnosed with CRC at more advanced stages, posing unique challenges for prognosis and treatment Why should we lower the age to 45 years old? In Canada, colorectal cancer screening for individuals at average-risk* is currently offered between the ages of 50 and 74 across all provinces and territories. However, with the growing incidence of EOCRC among younger adults, Colorectal Cancer Canada is calling upon all provinces and territories to immediately lower the screening age for colorectal cancer to 45, similarly to countries like the United States and Australia An average-risk person is someone between 50 and 74 years old who has no symptoms and no personal or family history of colorectal cancer, certain polyps, genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome, or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's or colitis. In 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidelines to include individuals aged 45–49, following evidence-based recommendations from the American Cancer Society. Similarly, in July 2024, the Australian government reduced the starting age for its National Bowel Cancer Screening Program from 50 to 45. "Based on a 2023 microsimulation, initiating screening at age 45 resulted in a net 12,188 fewer CRC cases, and 5,261 fewer CRC deaths. We believe that by lowering the screening age, we can prevent many more cancers and ultimately save thousands of lives in Canada", Barry D. Stein concluded. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable, treatable and beatable cancers when it is caught in the early stages resulting in less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and lower treatment costs for health systems, patients, caregivers, and their loved ones. About Colorectal Cancer Canada Colorectal Cancer Canada (CCC) is Canada's national colorectal cancer patient led non-for-profit organization. Since 1998, it has been dedicated to colorectal cancer awareness and education, supporting patients and caregivers, and advocating on their behalf. CCC's mission is to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Canada and to improve the quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Global Experts from 23 Countries Convene in Barcelona to Confront Rising Rates of Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank Springfield, Mo., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC), in partnership with Dr. José Perea of the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL) and a global network of collaborators, will host the inaugural Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank (GEOCRCTT) on June 18–19 in Barcelona, Spain. This two-day event will convene leading experts from research, healthcare, and advocacy to develop a comprehensive research strategy aimed at reversing the troubling trend in early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) cases. 'It's the first time we've ever hosted an international meeting, and we are thrilled to convene more than 75 scientists and patients,' said Anjee Davis, CEO of Fight CRC. '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.' As early onset colorectal cancer becomes increasingly prevalent, especially in countries with traditionally lower risk, the GEOCRCTT represents a timely and necessary response. Through keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and specialized breakout sessions, the Think Tank will facilitate knowledge sharing across borders and disciplines. Experts will focus on setting research priorities, strengthening collaborative efforts, and identifying targeted ways to support patients, caregivers, and affected communities worldwide. 'This gathering marks a pivotal moment in our approach to early onset colorectal cancer research as one of the only initiatives to explore global etiology; not just from a specific country or region, the entire world,' said Andrea (Andi) Dwyer, advisor to Fight CRC and member of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. "The future of EOCRC research and patient support depends on this level of unity and commitment.' The GEOCRCTT reflects the growing urgency to address EOCRC with a united, strategic approach. For more information on the GEOCRCTT, or to support Fight Colorectal Cancer and its partners, visit or join the conversation at #GEOCRCTT. GEOCRCTT Goals and Deliverables: Publishing Think Tank Outcomes: Findings, recommendations, and action items will be published in a leading peer-reviewed journal, making them accessible to the global research and medical communities. Supporting Critical Research Efforts: Through GEOCRCTT, six grants have been awarded to support baseline data collection internationally. This research funding underscores a united commitment to filling gaps in understanding EOCRC's causes, risk factors, and trends on an international scale. Empowering Patients and Advocates: Through focused sessions, GEOCRCTT will provide advocacy groups and patient communities with the latest information and strategies to elevate awareness and improve support networks globally. Fight CRC remains committed to advancing these efforts and fostering a global culture of informed, patient-centered care. Attachment Global Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Think Tank CONTACT: Savanna Doud Fight Colorectal Cancer 703-548-1225 media@
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WCM-Q probes link between insulin resistance and colorectal cancer
Tribune News Network Doha Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) have explored the possible links between insulin resistance and early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) in a new article published in Cancer Cell (Cell Press), a leading scientific journal. Cancer, regardless of type, is generally considered a disease that occurs later in life, typically after 50-60 years of age. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Programme of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, indicates that the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66. However, more recently, younger individuals under the age of 45-50 have been diagnosed with cancers (early-onset cancers; EOCs). Although this shifting trend in cancer epidemiology has been reported previously, this occurrence gained significant attention in early 2024, with many major news outlets and research/medical institutions reporting a rise in EOCs. Among the various EOCs, gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), seem to be rapidly increasing among the younger population. This trend appears similar for countries in the MENA region, including Qatar. 'As cancer researchers, we were captivated by the question of 'why this is happening?'' said Prof. Dietrich Büsselberg, professor of physiology and biophysics, one of the co-corresponding authors of the article. 'It is well known that genetic mutations that cause CRC and hereditary CRC-associated syndromes are highly penetrant and increase the risk of CRC. However, it is unlikely that this risk factor alone has changed so dramatically in successive generations of the population to account for the significant increase in EOCRC in recent years.' Dr. Samson Mathews Samuel, research associate in physiology and biophysics and co-corresponding author of the article, said: 'Our in-depth review of existing literature led us to identify a possible culprit behind this occurrence, namely insulin resistance.' A growing body of evidence points to insulin resistance, a hallmark of common metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, as a possible key risk factor contributing to the incidence and progression of EOCRC. Insulin resistance, defined as the inability of cells to respond to normal insulin, results in hyperinsulinemia (an increase in circulating insulin levels in the blood) much earlier in life than is typically recognized. Surprisingly, insulin resistance can drive metabolic changes very early in life and depends on several early-life external factors to which the individual is exposed. Elizabeth Varghese, a senior research specialist, is the other author of the paper, titled 'Complexity of insulin resistance in early-onset colorectal cancer'. The paper also infers that managing insulin resistance through dietary and/or lifestyle changes and therapeutic interventions is likely to be effective in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer among young individuals.
