Dr. Eng on Addressing Unmet Needs for Colorectal Cancer

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of hematology/oncology, co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses ways to address unmet needs for young adults with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Eng suggests opening up the communication to see what patients with CRC need. Young patients with CRC tend to see other doctors for second opinions and some cancer centers are opening clinics tailored to this young patient population. At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Eng is opening one such young adult cancer center in her new position.

Originally, this cancer center for young adults was going to be focused on gastrointestinal cancers, but Eng soon realized there were other oncologists who were looking for the same resources for their patients as her. Now, Eng is working with colleagues from different oncology sections to create a center of resources for young adults with cancer, including fertility preservation, nutrition, social work, fitness, and more.