COMMUNITY CONFERENCE 2025

The virtual conference brought together the nation’s colorectal cancer community: patients who are undergoing or have completed treatment, caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals. Together, we will join forces to ENGAGE, EXCHANGE & EMPOWER.

This year’s conference was co-created with our patient and caregiver co-chairs to ensure that sessions and format respond to the needs of those touched by colorectal cancer and provide them with the necessary information to empower them throughout their journey.

This session explores the emotional and practical challenges of life post-treatment, including returning to work, coping with fears of recurrence, and managing long-term side effects. We discuss navigating shifting support networks, adapting to changes in career paths and personal perspectives, and practical tips for building confidence and resilience during this transformative journey.

This session will highlight the critical role of early nutritional assessments, including their benefits and how to connect with a nutrition professional. Participants will also learn about the risks of malnutrition and practical strategies to advocate for timely nutritional support.

This session will explore the rising trends and unique challenges of early-age onset colorectal cancer, including risk factors and overall impact. Discussions will cover critical topics such as navigating cancer with a young family, fertility, sexuality, and strategies for moving forward with confidence and resilience.

This session clarifies what it means to live with a chronic or life-limiting disease, demystifies palliative care as a supportive resource (not just for end-of-life), and highlights available services.  We also normalize the wide range of emotions that come with this journey, recognizing that coping is a non-linear and deeply personal process.

This session explores the emotional and practical challenges of life post-treatment, including returning to work, coping with fears of recurrence, and managing long-term side effects. We discuss navigating shifting support networks, adapting to changes in career paths and personal perspectives, and practical tips for building confidence and resilience during this transformative journey.