COMMUNITY CONFERENCE 2026

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 role of structured wellness interventions before and after treatment. Presentations highlight evidence-based programs such as exercise oncology, fatigue management services, and prehabilitation models including Prehab Rx. The Challenge Study and other leading initiatives are discussed, with a focus on integrating wellness into routine cancer care to improve outcomes and quality of life.

This session examinse how culturally responsive, community-centered approaches can reduce disparities across the cancer care continuum. Speakers discuss partnerships with community organizations, the importance of self-advocacy, and strategies to amplify patient voices in shaping services. The discussion highlights practical and actionable approaches to advancing equitable access to prevention, treatment, and survivorship care.

This session provide san overview of emerging global research on EOCRC, highlighting new biological insights, epidemiologic trends, and priority research areas. Speaker Professor Dan Buchanan (Head of the Colorectal Oncogenomics Group in the Department of Clinical Pathology at the University of Melbourne) examines how international findings are reshaping screening strategies, genetic testing considerations, and care delivery models.

This session explores the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with EOCRC. Discussions address coordinated service navigation, models of AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) and EOCRC clinics across Canada, existing gaps for individuals aged 40–49, and strategies to improve continuity and integration of care.

This session explores the psychosocial impact of living with cancer, focusing on emotional wellbeing, resource navigation, and practical supports. Discussion addresses how patients can identify appropriate services, navigate uncertainty, and access psychosocial resources. Return-to-work challenges and mental health supports are also examined, with a moderated discussion to integrate clinical and lived experience perspectives.

This session addresses the short- and long-term physical effects of cancer and its treatment. Topics include: managing common side effects, understanding who to contact for specific concerns, and clarifying the roles of pharmacists, specialists, and allied health professionals. Discussions include living with an ostomy, LARS, body image concerns, dermatologic and endocrine effects, physiotherapy, and harm reduction strategies. The goal is to provide practical guidance and empower individuals to seek the right support at the right time.