Sixth annual Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium brings patients and experts together virtually Nov. 19-20

TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is inviting patients, caregivers, health professionals, researchers and advocates to its sixth annual Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium, a free virtual event taking place Nov. 19-20, 2026.

Under the theme Early Age Onset Cancer: Redefining Current Models of Cancer Care in Canada, the two-day Symposium will examine how cancer care can better serve people diagnosed before age 50. Patients and experts will explore earlier recognition and diagnosis, treatment, access to care, and the realities of living with cancer as a younger adult across multiple cancer types.

"Cancer can touch every part of a younger adult's life, yet our systems have not always been designed with their circumstances in mind," said Filomena Servidio-Italiano, President and CEO of CCRAN. "This Symposium brings patients and experts together to identify what needs to change and move those conversations toward action."

One session will look at Ontario and Prince Edward Island's decisions to lower the starting age for average-risk colorectal cancer screening to 45. Participants will discuss what it takes to put those policies into practice, including public awareness, equitable access and health-system capacity, and what other provinces can learn as they consider earlier screening.

The program will also examine education for front-line health professionals, personalized treatment opportunities and advances in pancreatic cancer care. A patient panel, expert presentations, roundtables, and interactive breakout rooms will bring lived experience into discussions about how care could better meet the needs of younger adults.

"Recognizing cancer in younger adults requires awareness across the healthcare system," said Dr. Michael Raphael, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre's Odette Cancer Centre and the co-chair of this year's Early Age Onset Cancer Symposium. "We need to listen to patients, strengthen education, and examine how research and care can respond to their needs across tumour types."

The Symposium opens on Nov. 19, Toronto's first Early Age Onset Cancer Awareness Day. Toronto City Council proclaimed the day earlier this year following a CCRAN-led initiative, making Toronto the first city in Canada to do so. The day calls attention to the troubling rise in cancer diagnoses among adults under 50 across multiple cancer types — a trend that deserves greater public awareness, research, and a focused response from the healthcare system. CCRAN hopes Nov. 19 will eventually be recognized across Canada. 

"When you are diagnosed as a younger adult, you may be trying to understand your cancer while also navigating work, family and plans for the future," said Zarine Bharda, an early age onset cancer patient and advocate. "Having patients in the room changes the conversation. It helps people see the full life behind a diagnosis and the support we need."

Registration is free at http://bit.ly/eaoc26. Registrants will receive exclusive early access to Symposium recordings after the event.

CCRAN thanks Merck and all Symposium sponsors for their support in making this event possible.

About CCRAN

The Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) is a national, patient-focused advocacy group championing the health and well-being of Canadians affected by colorectal cancer and others at risk of developing the disease. We provide support, education, and advocacy for patients and their caregivers to improve patients' quality of life and longevity. CCRAN has expanded its patient-focused mandate to serve patients across multiple tumour types through its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) patient evidence submissions, educational events, research and advocacy initiatives, and patient programming, ultimately reducing the burden of cancer in Canada.

SOURCE Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN)