Hope, Research, and Advocacy: Paving the Way to a Cure

In the inaugural event of the Global Cancer Movement, initiated by OncoDaily, Angie Davis, President of Fight Colorectal Cancer, explores groundbreaking initiatives in colorectal cancer advocacy, research, and patient empowerment. The virtual event, held from December 6-8, 2024, brought together thought leaders to address pressing issues in cancer care and innovation.

Angie Davis, the President of Fight Colorectal Cancer, presented an extensive overview of the organization’s mission, activities, and achievements. Founded in 2005, Fight Colorectal Cancer is dedicated to curing colorectal cancer and offering hope to those affected by the disease through patient support, information dissemination, policy advocacy, and groundbreaking research. Angie began by detailing the organization’s educational initiatives, which include free resources for patients across the United States.

Partnerships with organizations like Komodo Health have enabled Fight Colorectal Cancer to identify patterns and target educational efforts effectively. They emphasize accessibility, ensuring communities, regardless of location, can access vital information about colorectal cancer, including biomarker testing, clinical trials, and treatment options.

The organization offers a clinical trial finder specifically designed for late-stage colorectal cancer patients. This tool simplifies the overwhelming process of navigating clinical trials by filtering options and providing curated lists from clinicaltrials.gov. With patient curators monitoring trial openings, closures, and relevant publications, the tool ensures up-to-date information. Additionally, Fight Colorectal Cancer fosters a supportive online community where patients can discuss topics such as biomarkers, clinical trials, and coping mechanisms using the Community of Champions app.

Advocacy is a cornerstone of Fight Colorectal Cancer’s work, with efforts divided into policy change and research advocacy. Their signature event, Call on Congress, unites survivors and families to engage with U.S. policymakers. This annual event highlights the urgency of funding research, improving screening access, and expanding treatment options. The organization’s United in Blue initiative further underscores this urgency.

In response to projections that colorectal cancer could become the leading cancer killer for individuals under 49 by 2030, they planted 28,000 flags near the White House to represent lives at risk and urge policymakers to invest in research.

In collaboration with industry partners, Fight Colorectal Cancer released a comprehensive Colorectal Cancer Care Report, outlining goals for improving care across the patient journey—from prevention and screening to treatment. The report draws on extensive data from partners like Epic and Freenome, analyzing millions of insurance claims and patient records. Key objectives include achieving 80% screening rates for average-risk individuals over 45, ensuring timely follow-up colonoscopies within 90 days of non-invasive screening tests, and expediting treatment initiation within six weeks of diagnosis.

Additional goals include 80% biomarker testing and genetic testing for stage 3 and 4 patients, aiming to enhance the quality of care nationwide.

The report’s development involved collaboration with researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocates, with numerous revisions to ensure practicality and scientific alignment. Fight Colorectal Cancer’s dedication to addressing early-onset colorectal cancer is evident in their ongoing research and advocacy.

Surveys of over 900 early-onset patients revealed significant challenges, such as limited access to fertility preservation and clinical trials and widespread instances of diagnostic delays and gaslighting. To combat these issues, the organization has hosted think tanks since 2018, bringing together experts to drive actionable solutions.

Looking forward, Fight Colorectal Cancer is expanding its efforts internationally. They plan to host a global early-onset colorectal cancer convening in Barcelona, emphasizing shared learning and collaboration. The organization’s commitment to including patient advocates in research is evident, with advocates actively participating in manuscript development and publications.

Angie concluded by expressing gratitude to OncoDaily, partners, and fellow presenters for their collective efforts in advancing the fight against colorectal cancer. This comprehensive approach underscores Fight Colorectal Cancer’s pivotal role in advocating for patients, influencing policy, and fostering research to ultimately cure colorectal cancer.