How Conquer Cancer is Changing the Future of Colorectal Cancer

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The landscape of colorectal cancer in 2026 demands a fundamental change in how we think about this disease. With the disease now ranking as the leading cause of cancer death for men and women under 50, our mission to accelerate breakthroughs in lifesaving research has never been more urgent.¹

The deaths of icons like James Van Der Beek and Chadwick Boseman illustrate that this disease does not discriminate based on age, fame, or fitness. In fact, it is estimated that more than 55,000 people will die in 2026 from colorectal cancer.² Conquer Cancer is focused on funding the researchers who are—and will continue to be—the ones making a difference in all cancer treatment and care, including colorectal cancer.

Our Impact

Conquer Cancer has directed $6.6 million to more than 75 researchers who have accelerated breakthroughs in colorectal cancer.

Researcher Feature: Dr. Shria Kumar

Identifying Risk Through the Biological Clock

Dr. Shria Kumar is one of the colorectal cancer-focused researchers who Conquer Cancer funded and who is in the thick of her research. At the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, she is focused on a critical question: why are younger bodies developing colorectal cancer? Supported by a three-year Conquer Cancer grant, her research shifts the focus from one’s date of birth to their biological age—a measurement of cellular health that serves as a superior predictor of cancer risk.

Her research reveals that accelerated aging, where internal markers exceed chronological years, strongly predicts cancer outcomes. Her team discovered that each year of accelerated aging correlates with a 16% increased risk of developing pre-cancerous polyps.³

This epigenetic shift allows us to identify high-risk individuals in their 20s and 30s who fall outside current guidelines. Dr. Kumar is transforming the colonoscopy into a tactic that not only detects colon but helps with prevention as well.

Researcher Feature: Dr. Kimmie Ng

Championing Early Detection and Policy Change

While research continues into the causes of young-onset disease, Dr. Kimmie Ng ensures policy keeps pace with the changing face of cancer. As director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, her work was instrumental in lowering the national screening age from 50 to 45.

Because cases are increasing in people even younger than 45,⁵ Dr. Ng continues to lead the charge in unearthing the root causes—from diet and lifestyle to environmental factors. Her career-long dedication is what will inform future, and perhaps even earlier, screening guidelines.

Dr. Ng’s visionary leadership is a testament to the power of investing in early-career researchers. Conquer Cancer was privileged to support her foundational work through grant funding between 2008 and 2013.

But this level of systemic change and scientific discovery doesn't happen in a vacuum. It requires a sustained, collective investment in the innovators who refuse to accept the status quo.

This Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, your donation keeps the research pipeline full of innovation, advancements, and discoveries funded through our grants and other initiatives. Every dollar fuels the breakthroughs that will one day make all cancers, including colorectal, preventable, treatable, and ultimately curable diseases.

You can support cancer research and programs for all types of cancer, including colorectal at CONQUER.ORG/donate.

How Conquer Cancer is Changing the Future of Colorectal Cancer | Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation

Our Impact

Researcher Feature: Dr. Shria Kumar

Researcher Feature: Dr. Kimmie Ng

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