Become an advocate
Join the Alliance's efforts to change legislation or regulations regarding colorectal cancer treatments and screening by becoming an advocate today.
Why should you become an advocate?
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance recognizes the need for policies that help us in our goal to end colorectal cancer within our lifetime. That’s why we continuously collaborate with scientists at public, private, and government research institutions to fund the critical research that will lead to new drugs and treatment protocols. Our advocacy and policy efforts are focused on finding ways to facilitate treatment, screen and prevent colon and rectal cancer, and fund life-saving research.
You can join our efforts by contacting Kim Newcomer, Senior Director of Research Programs, at knewcomer@ccalliance.org. We'll reach out to you to respond to action alerts, for example, by calling your legislators, sending a letter, using our pre-packaged social media assets to spread awareness, or galvanizing others to join our cause.
Advocate in your state
Colorectal Cancer Alliance's State Allies offer crucial support for patients, families, caregivers, and survivors. Get involved in your backyard.
Screening begins at 45
You helped urge insurance companies to cover colorectal cancer screenings beginning at age 45. Thank you for your advocacy!
About Allies in Action
Biomarker testing helps connect patients with the most effective treatments for their cancer – but not all patients benefit from the latest advances. Our nation of allies will help deploy a grassroots, ally-lead advocacy campaign to increase payer coverage of testing and enable more patients to access testing needed to inform their cancer treatment journey
Learn More About Biomarker Testing
What is biomarker testing?
You had probably never even heard of biomarkers until your cancer diagnosis, but they're a very important part of treatment planning.
Colorectal cancer biomarkers can be detected and measured in your body in a number of ways. The type of biomarker test you receive will depend on what your doctor decides is right for the type and stage of cancer you have.
Biomarker testing is usually done by taking a sample of your tumor (“tissue biopsy”) or your blood (“liquid biopsy”). This can be done at your doctor’s office or during a surgery.
The sample will be sent to a certified pathology laboratory where tests are done to find any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by your cancer.
Other names for biomarker testing include molecular testing, genomic testing, tumor gene testing, and mutation testing.
Why Biomarker Testing Matters
Get Involved:
INCREASE AWARENESS → Bring greater awareness by using our click-to-share social media tool.
SHARE YOUR STORY → Help us tell the story of biomarker testing. Just fill out this story form.
TRACK OUR PROGRESS → Complete this form to help us track our IMPACT
Top resources
Supreme Court to rule on preventive CRC screening
An unfavorable ruling by the court could undermine screening prevention, allowing insurers to charge patients for potentially lifesaving services.
Volunteer spotlight: Amy Copeland
Get to know Colorectal Cancer Alliance volunteer Amy Copeland and consider joining her in service to the CRC community!
Alliance Survey Reveals Disparities in Minorities that Could Increase Colorectal Cancer Risk
Minority groups are significantly less aware that colorectal cancer is often not detected until the late stages due to mild symptoms.