Advancing Colorectal Cancer Research through Advocacy

Written by Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ

Allison Rosen, MS

Allison Rosen, MS, a 13-year early-age onset colorectal cancer survivor and Director of Project ECHO at the American Cancer Society, has dedicated her life to using her voice and platform to educate, advocate, and represent the collective cancer community. With 16 years of experience in the oncology space—including 12 years in basic cancer research and four years in public health and cancer health disparities—she brings a unique perspective as both a researcher and survivor. As a member of the NCCRT Steering Committee and a participant in Fight CRC's Research Advocacy Training and Support (RATS) program, Allison works to bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the communities it serves while sharing insights on research advocacy and emerging technologies in colorectal cancer detection and treatment.

You have an extensive background in research.What made you decide to apply for the RATS program?

Allison Rosen: I worked in research for a long time before pivoting to a more public health-focused career, but I still love research. I wanted to learn more specifically about colorectal cancer research because my background was in blood cancer and stem cell biology. I wanted to do this with a group of people like me—survivors, patients, and caregivers—so I could learn from leading experts in the field.

The RATS program teaches you about research advocacy while bringing in experts who discuss advances in colorectal cancer. When I was actively working in research, I had more time to read journals and stay current, but the RATS program helps me stay connected to the latest developments.

What makes the RATS program unique compared to other research training programs?

Besides focusing specifically on colorectal cancer, what makes it unique is the access to experts who dedicate time to our small group of RATS participants. We can ask them whatever we want and build relationships. We also get to attend conferences and learn from leading experts.

The program helps guide us to review grants and be the patient voice for grant applications or clinical trials. There are many different avenues to contribute, and you don't need prior research experience—you just need to want to learn.

I've found that many young-onset colorectal cancer patients do their own research to be their own best advocates. The program gives me the opportunity to learn from others about how they gained their knowledge so I can help guide other people too.

Many people think about advocacy in terms of political or health policy advocacy, but not research advocacy. Can you talk about that aspect of the program?

Research advocacy is just as important as other forms of advocacy. If you're doing policy advocacy, having a background in research helps you explain to someone without that background why it's important to fund research and include the patient voice.

Research advocacy focuses on what's currently happening in the field, what advancements are being made, and it helps ensure research is patient-centric. The patient, survivor, and caregiver perspectives are always crucial. Research advocacy really focuses on the science behind colorectal cancer's causes, as well as advancements in prevention, early detection, treatment, and surveillance

What are three things on your radar that you think millennials should be aware of regarding colorectal cancer research?

Blood-based screening tests: There's a lot of research on blood tests for screening. Many people won't do a stool test, so blood tests could help screen millions of people who might otherwise avoid screening.

Targeted therapies: These treatments are tailored to your specific type of tumor. With genetic testing and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing, treatment can target specific mutations in your tumor. You're not "throwing all the chemotherapy and the kitchen sink" at it anymore—you're giving people the chemotherapy that's best for them. This includes immunotherapy as well.

Multi-cancer early detection tests (MCEDs): These tests can detect multiple types of cancer simultaneously. Researchers are working to ensure their sensitivity and specificity match single-cancer screening tests. Since cancer survivors are at higher risk for developing other cancers, these tests could help detect markers related to lung, prostate, cervical, or other cancers.

What are you most hopeful or excited about regarding the future of colorectal cancer research?

I'm most hopeful about being able to detect and prevent colorectal cancer as early as possible. Once these tests are readily available, I hope they'll be accessible to people younger than 45 so we can prevent colorectal cancer before it happens.

Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable through screening. While treatment advances are important, my goal—and everyone's goal—is prevention and early detection. If we can make these tools accessible to people earlier, we can save lives. That's why I got involved in advocacy.

 Want to hear more from Allison? Listen to the YMyHealth Podcast!