Global colorectal cancer congress set for Nov. 5-6 in Nairobi

The Global Colon Cancer Association will host a hybrid 2026 Global Colorectal Cancer Congress in Nairobi on Nov. 5-6, with free virtual access, translation in more than 60 languages and a program focused on prevention, precision medicine, AI, health equity and patient advocacy. The event aims to connect clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers around more equitable colorectal cancer care worldwide.

Why it matters: - Colorectal cancer care remains uneven across countries, especially for early detection, treatment access and supportive care. - The Congress is designed to connect global experts and patient advocates around practical solutions that can improve outcomes and reduce gaps in care. - Free virtual access and multilingual translation lower barriers to participation for people outside Nairobi.

What happened: - The Global Colon Cancer Association will host the 2026 Global Colorectal Cancer Congress on Nov. 5-6 in Nairobi, Kenya. - The hybrid event will bring together patient advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers and industry partners. - GCCA CEO Andrew Spiegel and President Nicole Sheahan will open the Congress. - Dr. Joan-Paula Bor-Malenya, head of Kenya’s National Cancer Control Program, will join an opening discussion on colorectal cancer in Kenya. - Virtual participation will be available for the live program on Nov. 5 and the morning of Nov. 6, East Africa Time. - The afternoon of Nov. 6 will include additional in-person activities in Nairobi.

The details: - The theme is “Together We Shape the Road Ahead for CRC.” - Day one will focus on prevention, screening, diagnostics, innovation and health equity. - Dr. Partha Basu of the International Agency for Research on Cancer will deliver a keynote on prevention, risk reduction and screening. - Helena Harnik of The Synergist will lead a session on biomarkers, precision medicine and diagnostics. - Dr. Apeksha Patel of Novartis will lead a discussion on artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer care. - The afternoon session, “Advancing CRC Health Equity: Local Solutions, Global Lessons,” will cover community screening and awareness, stoma care and ostomy support, and health system capacity through training, patient navigation and policy advocacy. - The first day will end with an in-person Blue Dinner in Nairobi and the presentation of the Global CRC Leadership Awards. - The awards recognize leadership and impact in colorectal cancer policy and advocacy, equity and community engagement, and emerging global leadership. - Day two will center patient and caregiver experience, survivorship, ostomy support, advocacy and policy. - One session will examine how lived experience can shape programs, strengthen support and inform advocacy priorities. - GCCA will introduce a new Global Ostomy Program to support ostomy advocacy and address barriers to ostomy supplies for people facing financial hardship. - The program includes an advisory committee, a Global Ostomy Fund and collaboration opportunities for organizations supporting people living with an ostomy. - Dr. Mazvita Muchengeti, head of the South African National Cancer Registry at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, will lead a session on advocacy, access and policy. - The in-person Nairobi program will include care-kit assembly for Kenyatta National Hospital, an overview of GCCA’s Membership Hub and planning for a March 2027 colorectal cancer awareness initiative. - Virtual attendance is free and open to everyone, and GCCA membership is not required. - Simultaneous translation will be available in more than 60 languages. - Registered participants will have access to on-demand recordings after the event. - Registration is open at GCCA's congress registration page. - GCCA says sponsors for the Congress are Bristol Myers Squibb, Guardant Health and Johnson & Johnson. - GCCA says the organization has 150 member organizations across 60 countries and works to improve colorectal cancer outcomes through advocacy, awareness, education and equitable access to care. - More information is available on GCCA's website.

Between the lines: - The Congress mixes scientific programming with patient-led advocacy, signaling a broader shift toward care models that treat lived experience as part of policy and program design. - The new ostomy program suggests GCCA sees access to supplies and support services as a practical gap that can affect quality of life long after treatment. - A hybrid format and free registration make the event easier to access for communities that may not be able to travel to Nairobi.

What's next: - GCCA says the Congress will help strengthen global collaboration and support more patient-centered colorectal cancer care. - Participants will continue the Nairobi program in person after the virtual sessions. - GCCA also plans to advance its March 2027 colorectal cancer awareness initiative. - Registered attendees will be able to review on-demand recordings after the Congress.