Colorectal cancer (CRC), is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide and is typically a disease of adults ≥50 years of age. Recent data however, show an increasing incidence of sporadic early-onset CRC (eoCRC) in patients <50 years of age, particularly in high-income countries, including the Netherlands. On the other hand, more than 50% of patients diagnosed with CRC are > 70 years of age (late onset (lo)CRC). It is estimated that in ten years’ time, at least 35% of all patients with CRC will be below 50 years of age at the onset of the disease and 40% will be over 75 years.

Clinical trials investigating treatment response and outcome of patients with CRC mainly include patients between 50 and 70 years of age. Consequently, patients with eoCRC and loCRC are underrepresented in these trials. Therefore, it is largely unknown whether eoCRC en loCRC are biologically similar to what is currently known about CRC. Furthermore, it is unknown whether treatment decisions and outcome in these patients are similar as compared to what has been reported in clinical trials. Consequently, treatment of eoCRC and loCRC might be suboptimal.

Additionally, young and older patients may have different treatment goals and face different care needs, such as the impact if the disease and treatment on fertility and pregnancy, work and reintegration, family and children and emotions.

In their research at Amsterdam UMC, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Kathelijn Versteeg, medical oncologist and internist specialized in geriatric medicine and Tineke Buffart, medical oncologist specialized in treatment of colorectal cancer, focus on optimizing treatment and support for their patients.

Across the country, they share their acquired knowledge about the unique approach and challenges per age group during several evening lectures. The first evening in Amsterdam was very successful, and the next meetings are scheduled in May.

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