Clinical challenges and patient experiences in early-onset colorectal cancer: insights from seven European countries

Results

Participants highlighted several key challenges, including low awareness of CRC symptoms among younger populations, diagnostic delays linked to age and gender biases, and limited access to age-appropriate support services. Many participants reported significant quality-of-life (QoL) impacts related to disrupted careers, intimacy issues, and challenges managing family responsibilities during treatment. Psychological support, physiotherapy, and nutritional counseling were inconsistently available, with significant disparities across public and private healthcare systems.

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