Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“After treatment ends, many colorectal cancer patients are told they are “done.” In reality, a new phase begins, one that can feel just as uncertain.
Monitoring for recurrence is one of the most critical, and often least understood, parts of the cancer journey. Early detection of recurrence can directly impact outcomes, yet patients and caregivers are often left without clear, accessible guidance on what comes next.
That is why the Colorectal Cancer Alliance developed a new patient and caregiver guide, Monitoring for Colorectal Cancer Recurrence with support from Natera.
This resource is designed to meet people where they are, translating complex follow up care into something actionable and understandable. It walks through what recurrence means, why monitoring matters, and what patients should be looking for in their own bodies and care plans.
It also brings clarity to a rapidly evolving landscape of surveillance tools, from traditional methods like colonoscopy, imaging, and CEA testing to emerging approaches such as ctDNA, which are reshaping how we think about detecting minimal residual disease and recurrence risk.
Just as importantly, it empowers patients with the right questions to ask their care teams and a practical checklist to help them stay on track in the months and years after treatment.
This is where progress in cancer care must continue to evolve. Innovation is not only about new treatments. It is about ensuring patients have the tools, information, and confidence to navigate what comes after.
Explore the guide here.”
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