Qualitative focus groups with patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) across seven European countries revealed significant diagnostic delays and limited access to age-appropriate support services. The study highlighted low awareness of CRC symptoms among younger populations, with many experiencing misattributions of symptoms and sex-specific diagnostic barriers.

"There is a need for education campaigns highlighting the 'red flag' symptoms of eoCRC, gender-sensitive training for HCPs [health care professionals] to avoid misattribution of symptoms, expanded access to age-appropriate tailored support services for eoCRC patients, and further research into non-traditional risk factors, including psychosocial stress," the authors wrote. "By addressing these gaps, healthcare systems can ensure more equitable, patient-centred care for this vulnerable population," they concluded.

This study was led by Marianna Vitaloni, Digestive Cancers Europe in Brussels, Belgium. It was published online on May 15, 2025, in BMC Gastroenterology.

This study had a relatively small sample size and focused on seven European countries, which limited the generalisability of findings. The study's exclusive focus on patient and survivor perspectives restricted insights into provider-level decision-making and structural health system constraints. Additionally, recruiting through patient networks and healthcare providers may have introduced self-selection bias, potentially over-representing more engaged or connected individuals while missing more isolated voices.

This study received support from Bayer, BMS, and Daiichi Sankyo. The authors reported no conflicts of interest.