The Alliance's Young Survivors Week is an annual observance to highlight young-onset CRC, increase understanding, and support patients.
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.
Thirteen percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people under the age of 50, and diagnoses are expected to climb 140% by 2030.
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.
Forty-nine young people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every day. By sharing their stories, we can raise awareness and save lives.
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.
Share these ready-to-go social media posts on your channels!
Bring greater awareness to young-onset CRC by sharing social media posts.
Help tell the story of young-onset CRC – your story.
Your gift supports survivors and patients, as well as prevention and research efforts to end this disease.
Learn about The Cancer Promise initiative and how political candidates can pledge to support cancer research, prevention, and care policies. Make your voice heard this election.
The third annual Bottoms Up® Invitational, hosted by Craig Melvin of the Today Show and his wife, sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak, continues to raise much-needed awareness and funds for colorectal cancer (CRC).
Learn how the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is advocating for the passage of the Nancy Gardner Sewell Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act (HR 2407), a bipartisan bill that ensures immediate Medicare coverage for life-saving cancer detection tests once approved by the FDA.
