Investigating early-onset colorectal cancer symptoms and treatment access

Early onset colorectal cancer: from symptoms to treatment in a large, safety-net cohort

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11174380

This study is looking into how often younger people under 50 with symptoms of colorectal cancer, like stomach pain and rectal bleeding, get the tests they need, especially focusing on the challenges faced by racial and ethnic minorities, so we can find ways to help them get diagnosed and treated faster.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11174380 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), which affects individuals under 50 years of age. It aims to understand the prevalence of symptoms and the barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. The study will analyze how often tests for colorectal cancer are ordered and received by younger patients who present with symptoms like abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. By identifying factors that contribute to diagnostic delays, the research seeks to improve early detection and treatment options for this growing patient population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include younger individuals under 50 who are experiencing symptoms associated with colorectal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are over 50 years old or those without any symptoms related to colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnoses and improved treatment outcomes for patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing barriers to diagnosis can improve outcomes for cancer patients, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Advanced Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.