This July, DiCE had the opportunity to present the voices of younger colorectal cancer patients across three important international forums.

On July 2–4, during the annual DiCE Masterclass held alongside ESMO GI 2025 in Barcelona, DiCE’s Marianna Vitaloni presented the findings from our newly published qualitative study on early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC). The manuscript, titled “Clinical Challenges and Patient Experiences in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Insights from Seven European Countries”, is based on focus groups with 47 patients and survivors diagnosed under the age of 50. The study highlights the challenges faced by younger people across their care journey, including delays in diagnosis, gender bias, lack of psychological and fertility support, and disparities across national health systems.

Earlier that same week, DiCE CEO Zorana Maravic presented the study results during a scientific session at ESMO GI, where she also gave a broader overview of the growing burden of eoCRC in Europe and worldwide. Her talk highlighted the urgent need for earlier detection, more inclusive care pathways, and increased visibility of the patient experience in research and policy. Zorana emphasised the importance of listening to patients, not only to improve care but also to better understand the changing face of colorectal cancer.

Just a few weeks before, on 18–19 June, Zorana and Marianna took part in the first in-person meeting of the Global Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Working Group, a think tank coordinated by Fight CRC and bringing together international experts, researchers, and advocates. The meeting marked a significant first step forward in developing a global strategy to address the rising incidence of CRC in people under 50, and DiCE was proud to bring the European patient voice to the discussion.

The insights from this work are already guiding DiCE’s initiatives, including the ENTERO project, the development of new educational materials for young patients, and our ongoing advocacy efforts at both the national and EU levels.

With early-onset CRC on the rise, we remain committed to ensuring that the needs, voices, and rights of younger patients are fully represented in research, care, and policy.

Read the full study here: Clinical challenges and patient experiences in early-onset colorectal cancer: insights from seven European countries

Author:

Marianna Vitaloni