Newswise — The global research and clinical community will come together to address increasing rates of colon and rectal cancers in adults aged 50 and under at the two-day Rally on Research taking place June 24-25, 2021. The virtual event will continue building a global research network and agenda to address the phenomenon known as Early Age Onset Colorectal Cancer (EAO CRC), also known as early-onset colorectal cancer or young-onset colorectal cancer. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register at FightCRC.org/RallyonResearch

Anyone with a special interest in EAO CRC—oncology researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, public health professionals and science writers—are encouraged to attend.

“Fight Colorectal Cancer is committed to a cure, and tackling EAO CRC is a huge part of our mission,” said Anjee Davis, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer. “We are proudly serving as the bridge between the scientific and advocate communities to host this event. We understand the gravity and importance of hosting international conferences like this and expect to see more research funded and scientific breakthroughs as a result of these collaborations and discussions.”

Fight Colorectal Cancer, the leading advocacy organization in the U.S., is spearheading the Rally on Research with the support of a global planning committee consisting of researchers, clinicians, advocacy group leaders, and patient advocates from the U.S., UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, and Serbia. In many countries around the world, particularly developed countries, EAO CRC is a growing concern.

Since the mid 1990s, cases in those under age 50 increased by around 51%; there’s been incremental increases of 2% per year in patients younger than age 55.

“This is a global problem and the numbers are growing,” said Andrea (Andi) Dwyer of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and advisor to Fight CRC Research and Patient Education. “To continue the research, international collaborations are key to understanding this disease.”

Day One will include a kickoff from the main virtual stage and live panel discussions with EAO CRC patients and clinicians talking about their experiences and opportunities to improve care regarding diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, quality of life, and caregiving. The agenda includes opportunities for networking and visits to the virtual expo for poster presentations and live Q&A.

Day Two will feature live panel discussions regarding: major projects of the Fight CRC EAO CRC Workgroup activities, CRC screening guidelines around the globe, EAO CRC treatment and care delivery, and research funding. Breakout sessions for clinical care, research and advocacy will be offered in addition to poster presentations, the virtual expo for Q&A, and networking opportunities.

“This event is the extension of the international symposium on EAO CRC, which would now be in its 3rd edition,” said Rally on Research co-host Dr. José Perea García. “It is an honor to participate in an event where so many points of view will be raised, both from patients and patient advocacy groups, as well as international experts on the subject. The final objective of this conference is to create a solid network of collaboration between the different stakeholders related to EAO CRC and to carry out initiatives that allow the problem to be solved. The more people we dedicate to this work, the sooner we can solve this problem.” 

To register for the Rally on Research, visit FightCRC.org/RallyonResearch.

The Rally on Research is sponsored by No-Shave November and Taiho Oncology.