Watch Dr. Laura Porter's presentation at the 2nd Annual Global Colon Cancer Association's 2021 Congress Thriving Patient Advocate | Global Colorectal Cancer Congress (gccacongress.org)
News
A microbiome signature for colorectal cancer
A collaboration of the Quirke and Huttenhower labs has led to the publication of two papers, in Clinical Cancer Research and Genome Medicine, that report a microbiome signature that is associated with colorectal cancer and is consistent between developed and...
Dr. Cindy Sears is named 2021 Women of ID Honoree
The Infectious Diseases Society of America Foundation has recognized OPTIMISTICC Co-Investigator Dr. Cindy Sears, as a 2021 Women of ID honoree for her impactful career in infectious disease research, compassionate care, and mentoring the next generation of ID...
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Inspires Team OPTIMISTICC
Team OPTIMISTICC kicked off Colon Cancer Awareness month at our March 5 team meeting, where we honored Dress in Blue Day by photographing ourselves in our many shades of blue. In the top row of the left photograph above you will see Anita Mitchell Isler, who started...
Changing policy to save lives
What seemed to be impossible at the age of 40 became a reality in October of 1995. Married with three young children 7, 9 and 13 years old, and practicing law in Montreal, I thought I had it all. I was sure the constant migraines were the caused by the bright lights...
Reducing numbers, saving lives
I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer following an emergency presentation with a rectal haemorrhage. I had severe complications immediately post-surgery and I was not expected to survive. I am one of the lucky ones. I am now a 20 year survivor who has beaten the odds and...
How I became an advocate
I was diagnosed with IV Colon Cancer in 2005 just after turning 41. I had been to my primary doctor 5 months earlier complaining of blood in my stool and diarrhea.I was told it was hemorrhoids and not to worry, I did not need a colonoscopy, like it was a bad thing. I...
My story as a CRC patient
It was in 2002-03 Christmas time when I suffered continuous gastrointestinal troubles. I’m a psychologist, a professional who, at that time, was very busy and, threatened by the idea of suffering cancer, I used to say that I did not have time enough to visit any...
Allen-Vercoe group publishes book chapter on Fusobacteria.
Graduate students Avery Robinson and Jacob Wilde contributed to a book chapter with Emma Allen-Vercoe that covers many aspects of Fusobacteria biology. Entitled "Fusobacteria: Physiology, Form and Function" it is published in "Colorectal neoplasia and the...
Avery Robinson and Greg Higgins awarded Canada Graduate Scholarships
Pop some champagne and toast Avery Robinson and Greg Higgins of the Allen-Vercoe lab! Avery won a Canada Graduate Scholarship - 3-year Doctoral Award, and Greg won a Canada Graduate Scholarship 1 year Master's award, both from the Canadian Institutes of Health...
Can we treat bowel cancer by targeting the bugs in our guts?
Bowel cancer Cancer refers to a collection of diseases in which some of the body’s cells divide uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. Cancers can arise throughout the body but are generally divided into solid (e.g. bowel) or blood-based (e.g....
45 is the New 50
On October 27, 2020, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a recommendation that colorectal cancer screening of individuals at average risk for the disease start at age 45 rather than age 50. “This recommendation is hugely impactful,” said OPTIMISTICC...