Vol. 2 No. 1 | February 2, 2026
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Dear Thriver,
Welcome to a new year — and to Volume 2 of this Colorectal Cancer Research Digest. As we turn the page together, I’m genuinely excited for this next chapter and for the continued growth of this community. What drives us forward remains the same: making colorectal cancer discoveries clear, accessible, and meaningful for patients, families, and care teams.
In this edition, I’m sharing a brief look back at what we achieved together in 2025 — and a sneak peek at what’s ahead in 2026. I’m grateful you’re here, and I’m excited for all that we’ll continue to build and learn together.
With gratitude,
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In this issue, we talk about...
⏪ Recapping how the Digest began and grew
🛜 Taking CRC research to new platforms
👀 Looking ahead to 2026
🏆 Celebrating our team members
🏃➡️ Join us at the BumRun!
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⏪ Recapping how the Digest began and grew
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Since launching the Colorectal Cancer Research Digest in May 2025, more than 1,000 subscribers have joined us in making research clearer and more accessible. This newsletter highlights not only our own CRC research, but also important studies from around the world that we believe patients should know. Here’s a look at some of the research we shared throughout the year.
Our CRC research
- Sexual health after CRC - Our first-of-its-kind research showed that females with CRC face higher risks of early menopause, pelvic infections, and endometriosis. Hearing from patients afterward reminded us why no one should have to suffer these symptoms in silence.
- Biomarker testing: what patients should know - Our research highlighted major barriers patients face in accessing and understanding biomarker testing. To help close this gap, we broke down the essentials in plain language so patients can ask informed questions and access the treatments best suited to their cancer.
- Mental health matters: hidden anxiety and depression in CRC - We showed that people with CRC face higher risks of anxiety and depression — especially males and those diagnosed under age 50. These were clinically diagnosed conditions, underscoring how significant the mental health toll can be.
CRC research from around the world
- Risk of type 2 diabetes after CRC - We highlighted important but often overlooked research showing that CRC survivors have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Understanding this link can support better follow-up care and early prevention.
- Exercise as medicine: reducing recurrence after chemotherapy - We shared compelling new evidence that exercise after chemotherapy can improve survival for people with CRC. It’s a powerful reminder that movement can be a practical and meaningful part of survivorship care.
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🛜 Taking CRC research to new platforms
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Because getting CRC research to those who need it matters, we expanded our presence beyond the newsletter. After consideration, we decided to enter LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook — sharing CRC research in ways designed for accessibility and connection.
Finally, we created a new home at www.ccor.ca, so the community can easily find everything in one place.
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- Early-age onset CRC and screening age - As advocacy grows in Canada to lower the CRC screening age, we will look at research supporting this shift — particularly evidence on early-age onset CRC and the potential benefits of starting screening at 45 years.
- Nutrition and CRC - Did you know that coffee may have benefits for people with CRC? In 2026, we’re launching a series on nutrition and CRC, where we’ll review research from around the world on dietary factors — like coffee, nuts, and other foods — that may support better outcomes.
- Mental health care in CRC - We will continue the conversation on mental health after CRC diagnosis, focusing on research that examines mental health care and mental health service use, and what it reveals about where support is needed and how care is being delivered.
- Honouring partners in the cancer journey - We will shine a spotlight on partners — the people who carry so much of the caregiving load yet are so often overlooked. We’ll explore research that highlights their experiences, needs, and the support systems that can help.
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🏆 Community achievement award
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We are proud to share that Songhee Yang (Joy) received the UBC International Community Achievement Award.
This award recognizes Joy’s leadership and contributions as an international student, including her work with our Colorectal Cancer Research Outcomes group where she helps translate CRC research into accessible content. Her work reflects a strong commitment to making research clearer, more inclusive, and more meaningful for the communities it serves.
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🏃➡️ Join us at the BumRun!
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I’m proud to share that I will be serving as a Champion for the 2026 Vancouver BumRun. As I celebrate the 10th anniversary of my CRC diagnosis, I’ve set a personal fundraising goal of $10,000 to support the vital work of the Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN). CCRAN continues to make a meaningful difference for CRC patients in Canada and around the world.
I invite you to join and/or support my team as we work together to reach this goal and advance support for our CRC community.
👉 Register or learn more here.
💁♀️ Support us and donate here.
I hope you’ll join us this May as we move forward together.
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What thrivers ❤️ about the Digest
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"THANK YOU so much for this letter! It came to me at the perfect moment and I read every word and followed every link. But I also really appreciated the summaries both in words and pictures..."
"...Thanks for this information as I have followed you for the past six years and still hope to."
Missed a past issue? No stress.
Every Digest we’ve published lives in one place, so you can catch up anytime — whether you joined yesterday or have been with us from day one.
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👋 Before you go, we'd love to know what you thought of today's newsletter to help us improve the Digest experience for you.
Hit reply to let us know. Was it too hard to follow? Too long, didn't read it all? Leave you with more questions? Let us know! We read every response.
Talk soon,
Mary, Alexander, and Joy — The Colorectal Cancer Research Digest editorial team
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