Early-onset bowel cancer research grant awarded

Congratulations to A/Prof Daniel Buchanan and his research team on securing a $2.5 million grant to investigate the increasing incidence of Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC) and generate new information on the biology and aetiology of modern EOCRC through an innovative molecular epidemiology study across two distinct diagnostic periods: 1998-2008, when the rising incidence was in its early stages and 2026-2028, when the incidence is expected to be at its highest level in 30 years.

“Our study aims to identify the cause(s) of the increasing incidence of modern EOCRC by determining unique genomic, microbiome and microplastic profiles or ‘signatures’ that have emerged alongside the rising incidence,” A/Prof Buchanan said.

“Understanding the cause of EOCRC increase will enable young people at high-risk to be identified before the disease develops and provide the foundation to halt and ultimately reverse the trend. This research program represents the critical first step towards preventing young Australians from unnecessarily developing and dying from early-onset bowel cancer,” A/Prof Buchanan said.

Bowel Cancer Australia and early-onset bowel cancer advocates look forward to working with A/Prof Buchanan and his team on this important research project as Australia has the highest rates of early-onset bowel cancer in the world, and it is the deadliest cancer for people aged 25-54.

Congratulations to A/Prof Daniel Buchanan, Prof Mark Jenkins, Dr Lochlan Fennell, Dr Natalie Diepenhorst, Dr Peter Georgeson, Assoc Prof Bradley Clarke, Dr Driss Ait Ouakrim, Assoc Prof Lisa Mielke, Dr Danielle Ingle and Ms Julie McDonald.