Episode 74 - Global Perspectives on Early Onset Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer among people under the age of 50 is rising at an alarming rate in the United States, but is the trend the same in other countries? The answer will surprise you.
In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman takes the podcast global, as she is joined by Fight CRC's lead research advisor and leader of the Global Think Tank for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer, Andrea "Andi" Dwyer, MPH, and Fight CRC's Director of Research Advocacy, the initiative's co-leader, Kiran Ilagan, DrPH, CHES. The Global Think Tank initiative is aimed at addressing early-onset colorectal cancer. During the conversation, Kiran and Andi share the story of how the initiative got started and their insights on the Global Think Tank's first in-person meeting in Barcelona, Spain.
The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the causes of this trend, the need for patient-centered research, and the significance of global collaboration from patients and researchers in tackling this pressing health issue. This includes comparing the most prominent possible causes of early-onset colorectal cancer cases in different countries and streamlining measurements for conducting research on who is and is not at risk. The episode emphasizes the importance of the role of advocacy and awareness in driving change and improving outcomes for those affected by early-onset colorectal cancer.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Colorectal Cancer Awareness
(04:48) Understanding Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer
(09:42) The Global Think Tank Initiative
(19:39) Unique Aspects of the Global Think Tank
(29:17) Patient-Centered Research Advocacy
(39:26) Epidemiological Tools and Global Data
(49:08) Future Directions and Collaborative Efforts
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**Read about the summary report of the 2025 Global Think Tank for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer HERE
Learn more about this episode's guest, Fight CRC's Kiran Ilagan, DrPH, CHES, and Andrea "Andi" Dwyer, MPH, here: https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/about/our-team/
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Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com