Lights and shadows in the early-onset colorectal cancer management and research: An integrative perspective – Physician scientist with patient advocates

Abstract

Early-onset colorectal cancer (age under 50 years) (EOCRC) is an entity of undeniable importance, both because of its growing incidence, and the population it affects. Other current reviews emphasize the essential points regarding the clinical management and knowledge of its molecular bases. However, we intend to go one step further. With the increased significance of patient participation and disease experience in mind, we have integrated the voice of the patient to show the weaknesses and the needs, and next steps in the advancement of knowledge and management of EOCRC. This integrative review of the different perspectives, clinical, research and the patients themselves, can therefore be defined as an integrative needs assessment. Hence, this may be a first step in working towards an essential homogeneity of definitions and action.