Colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers are rising in people under 50 at an alarming rate, making them one of the most urgent and complex challenges in cancer research today. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) oncologist Dr. Andrea Cercek is at the forefront of investigating and responding to this growing health crisis.
In 2018, MSK launched the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancer, the first program of its kind in the U.S. Founded and co-directed by Dr. Cercek, the center takes a comprehensive approach to care—treating not just the disease, but the needs of the whole person. Patients are supported by a multidisciplinary team, with access to a dedicated social worker and specialists in areas such as fertility, nutrition, mental health, and more, addressing the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Dr. Cercek’s work has also led to one of the most significant recent breakthroughs in cancer research. In 2022, she and her colleagues made history when they published results from a groundbreaking clinical trial in rectal cancer, in which every patient achieved complete remission—an unprecedented outcome that has the potential to change the standard of care. The trial used immunotherapy alone, allowing patients to avoid more invasive treatments and the life-altering side effects that often come with them.
Breakthroughs like this underscore the power of clinical trials to transform cancer care—an area of focus for our VB Give Back partner, The Society of MSK, whose current campaign supports research designed to accelerate discoveries and bring innovative treatments to patients faster.
While important, advancing treatment is only part of the work. Just as critical is understanding why these cancers are rising so rapidly in younger people. Through ongoing research, Dr. Cercek and her team are investigating the underlying causes of early-onset disease with the goal of preventing them in the future—efforts made possible by philanthropy. Supported by The Society of MSK’s current focus on clinical trials, this research continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing new answers and new hope to patients.
Now through the end of March, VB Gives Back will be donating a portion of all VeronicaBeard.com orders to The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a volunteer community dedicated to supporting advancements in patient care, cancer research, and education.Join us in supporting MSK's mission of ending cancer for life.