Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of hematology/oncology, co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses the need to increase awareness regarding treating adolescents and young adults with colorectal cancer (CRC).

There is increased awareness regarding younger patients with CRC, though there is still a large unmet need with how to prepare this patient population for treatment, including preparing for psychosocial issues, financial hardship, job security concerns, and fertility preservation, explains Eng.

Typically, oncologists are treating elderly patients with CRC. Adolescents and young adults with CRC in hospitals are having treatment tailored toward the pediatric patient population, says Eng. Adolescents and young adults fall into a middle category and do not where to go, but hopefully awareness of this patient population will continue to increase, concludes Eng.

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Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, discusses the need to increase awareness regarding treating adolescents and young adults with colorectal cancer.

Dr. Eng on Increasing Awareness for Adolescents/Young Adults With CRC

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of hematology/oncology, co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses ways to address unmet needs for young adults with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Eng suggests opening up the communication to see what patients with CRC need. Young patients with CRC tend to see other doctors for second opinions and some cancer centers are opening clinics tailored to this young patient population. At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Eng is opening one such young adult cancer center in her new position.

Originally, this cancer center for young adults was going to be focused on gastrointestinal cancers, but Eng soon realized there were other oncologists who were looking for the same resources for their patients as her. Now, Eng is working with colleagues from different oncology sections to create a center of resources for young adults with cancer, including fertility preservation, nutrition, social work, fitness, and more.

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, discusses ways to address unmet needs for young adults with colorectal cancer.

Dr. Eng on Addressing Unmet Needs for Colorectal Cancer

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, professor of hematology/oncology, co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses unique barriers facing patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC).

There is expected to be a rise in the incidence of colon cancer and rectal carcinoma in patients in their 20s and 30s, says Eng. The average age of patients with CRC is 67 years old.

Patients with early-onset disease may face specific challenges such as psychosocial issues, financial hardship, job security concerns, and fertility preservation, says Eng.

Increasing awareness of these challenges and providing patients with optimal referrals to address these challenges are crucial, concludes Eng.  

Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO, discusses unique barriers facing patients with early-onset colorectal cancer. 
 

Author | Cathy Eng, MD, FACP, FASCO

Articles

Dr. Eng on Increasing Awareness for Adolescents/Young Adults With CRC

Dr. Eng on Addressing Unmet Needs for Colorectal Cancer

Dr. Eng on Unmet Needs in Early-Onset CRC