Youth Meets Cancer: Navigating Rectal Cancer in Young Patients

Saturday, May 9, 2026

2:15 PM - 3:05 PM ET

Co-Moderator(s)

Matthew F. Kalady, MD

Professor, Division Director,
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Center
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
VT

Vassiliki Liana Tsikitis, MD

Disclosure information not submitted.

CME .75 hours

There has been an alarming increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients less than 50 years old over the last few decades in the United States. The majority of these cases are in the rectum. The cause of this increase is likely multifactorial, and there are still significant knowledge gaps. In addition, the treatment paradigms for rectal cancer in younger patients present unique challenges as radiation and chemotherapy impact fertility. Furthermore, there is some debate about routinely using non-operative management in younger patients as the true long-term follow-up is still unknown.

This symposium will discuss the following: 1. The clinical evaluation of early onset rectal cancer, including indications and interpretation of genetic testing; 2. The impact of treatments on fertility and sexual health, and means to mitigate these; 3. The unique challenges and use of non-operative management in early onset rectal cancer patients.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Identify the clinical and genetic evaluation strategies for early-onset rectal cancer, including appropriate indications for and interpretation of germline and somatic testing.
Describe the impact of rectal cancer treatment modalities—particularly chemotherapy and radiation—on fertility and sexual health in younger patients, and outline strategies for fertility preservation and sexual function counseling.
Evaluate the current evidence and controversies surrounding non-operative management in early-onset rectal cancer, including considerations unique to young patients and the limitations of long-term outcome data. .