What is well-known: The link between type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer is well-documented. People with type 2 diabetes face a 20–40% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. But what I am wondering about is the reverse: could having had colorectal cancer raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Why we did the research: This study was inspired by a COLONTOWN thread that invited members with early-age onset colorectal cancer to share their experiences in March 2019, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. As the thread grew, I wondered how we could take this conversation beyond COLONTOWN to reach those who may not even be aware of colorectal cancer—let alone early-age onset colorectal cancer. I reached out to Erika

Brown and Dr. Manju George at COLONTOWN to share the study idea and invite them to collaborate, and I was grateful to have them on board.

I'm approaching the 10-year anniversary of my colorectal cancer diagnosis next year. What began as a "break-and-entry" into colorectal cancer outcomes research has turned into so much more. As an epidemiologist and health researcher, it's hard not to do more when I've lived the very outcomes I now study.

This study is meaningful to me – I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 36, eight months after giving birth. I experienced firsthand then, and continue to experience now, the impact of the disease on sexual and reproductive health.

In June 2023, I had the opportunity to be part of the the Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network’s (CCRAN) 1st Biomarkers Conference.

For the past six years, we’ve been sharing the Colorectal Cancer Outcomes Research Newsletter to keep you updated on our studies, invite participation, and provide links to published results.