Earlier this month, we were thrilled to present at the 5th Annual Young Adult Oncology Conference at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Our Prevention and Research Director, Stephanie Guiffre, spoke to a group of medical professionals, health educators and social workers about the rise in young onset colorectal cancer and the need for us to join together and take action.
If proper attention isn’t given to this disease, by the year 2030, colorectal cancer will become a major public health issue for the young adult population. Stephanie educated the group on the importance of recognizing symptoms regardless of age and the need for proper family history workups to determine those who are at high risk for colon cancer. This ensures the disease is caught in its earliest, most curable stage.
Much of the information shared was from our white paper published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings last year titled “The Increasing Incidence in Young Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Call to Action.” Stephanie went on to introduce the Never Too Young campaign and the creation of the Never Too Young Coalition, a collaborative effort founded by our organization, that now includes 30 advocacy groups, comprehensive cancer centers, and research institutions working together to take out young onset colorectal cancer through action, education and research. “Through this effort, we are putting our money where our mouth is. We’ve declared war and we are fighting the good fight,” says Stephanie.
Learn more about our Never Too Young campaign and initiatives at nevertooyoung.org.
Don’t forget, the Colon Cancer Alliance serves as a source of information about colon health. If you have additional questions about colon cancer screening or are in need of support, please contact our free Helpline at (877) 422-2030. We’re here to help.