Dr. Eng on Unmet Needs in Early-Onset CRC

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of hematology/oncology, co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses unique barriers facing patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).

There is expected to be a rise in the incidence of colon cancer and rectal carcinoma in patients in their 20s and 30s, says Eng. The average age of patients with CRC is 67 years old.

Patients with early-onset disease may face specific challenges such as psychosocial issues, financial hardship, job security concerns, and fertility preservation, says Eng.

Increasing awareness of these challenges and providing patients with optimal referrals to address these challenges are crucial, concludes Eng.