Young Survivors Week

    The Alliance's Young Survivors Week is an annual observance to highlight young-onset CRC, increase understanding, and support patients.

    Young CRC survivor Kat Sisler's shirt says, "No Mo Chemo."

    About Young Survivors Week

    In 2014, the Never Too Young Coalition founded Young Survivors Week. Now managed by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the observance starts on National Cancer Survivors Day, the first Sunday in June.

    Young-onset CRC facts

    13 percent

    An increasing proportion

    Thirteen percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people under the age of 50, and diagnoses are expected to climb 140% by 2030. 

    No. 1

    Alarming new data

    Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men under 50, and it's second among women. Most young patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to delays in detection.

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    Lives forever changed

    Forty-nine young people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day. By sharing their stories, we can raise awareness and save lives. 

    An image of Lori Charney with her dog.

    Speaking of survivorship

    Lori Charney’s life turned upside down at 32. Diagnosed with stage IV (metastatic) colorectal cancer shortly after giving birth, she juggled motherhood and intense treatment. Despite facing surgeries, chemo, radiation, and a lobectomy, she clung to one goal — to watch her children grow up. Today, her sons are on the brink of graduating, one from high school and the other from college.

    Still, survivorship isn't just about overcoming cancer. Lori admits the trauma never fully fades. "Every day, I wake up grateful, but the scars are a constant reminder," she said. Losing friends to the disease has brought on survivor's guilt and fears of recurrence. She finds solace in giving back and volunteering with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, sharing her story and supporting others. 

    Lori’s story is a powerful reminder of the silent battles many young colorectal cancer survivors face. The Alliance’s Young Survivors Week celebrates the triumph of beating cancer while also recognizing the lasting burden of a diagnosis. 

    Celebrate with us

    Share these ready-to-go social media posts on your channels! 

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    Social media posts for Survivors Month and Young Survivors Week 2024.

    How to get involved

    Donate

    Your gift supports survivors and patients, as well as prevention and research efforts to end this disease.

    Top resources

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    hree smiling people stand together indoors with their arms around each other. The person on the left wears glasses and a patterned shirt, the person in the middle wears a gray T-shirt and black blazer, and the person on the right wears glasses, a blue jacket, and a colorful scarf while holding a book. Behind them are framed artworks on the wall.

    Volunteer spotlight: Greg Schwem

    In this Q&A, get to know Greg Schwem, a passionate and dedicated Colorectal Cancer Alliance volunteer from Illinois, and sign up to be a volunteer yourself!

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    Three people smile for a photo at the Bottoms Up® Invitational step-and-repeat backdrop. The person on the left wears a white tank top, layered necklaces, black pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. The person in the middle wears glasses and a floral button-down shirt. The person on the right wears a black short-sleeve shirt with white trim and white pants. All appear happy and relaxed, standing close together in front of sponsor and event logos.

    Bottoms Up® Invitational Tops $4 Million in Four Years To Fuel Mission

    The 2025 Bottoms Up® Invitational, hosted by Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak, raised over $4.4 million in four years to support the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. The star-studded concert and golf event honors Melvin’s late brother and shines a spotlight on the rise of colorectal cancer in young adults.

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