A national colorectal cancer navigation program for precision oncology and comprehensive support.
Abstract
412 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) care increasingly relies on biomarker testing, clinical trials, and multidisciplinary treatment, creating unique navigation needs for patients and caregivers. As the largest national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to CRC, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance developed a national navigation program to improve access to precision oncology resources, evidence-based care, and supportive services. In 2026, the program expanded to include oncology social work navigation. Methods: A retrospective review of navigation activities from January 2024 through May 2026 was conducted. Services included clinical trial education, trial matching, biomarker testing support, second opinions, treatment education, precision medicine consultations, specialty referrals, and psychosocial support. Guidance was informed by NCCN Guidelines and Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice (PONT). In Q2 2026, a formal referral pathway was established between oncology nurse and oncology social work navigators. Results: The program demonstrated substantial growth during the study period. More than 3,000 navigation interventions were delivered to approximately 728 patients and caregivers nationwide. Utilization increased across all service categories, reflecting growing demand for biomarker-informed care, clinical trial access, specialty referrals, treatment education, and psychosocial support. The addition of oncology social work navigation expanded support for patients and caregivers experiencing distress, coping challenges, and barriers to treatment engagement. Conclusions: The rapid growth of this national CRC navigation program highlights increasing demand for disease-specific navigation. Integration of oncology nurses and oncology social work navigators created a comprehensive model supporting precision oncology, specialty care access, and psychosocial needs. Comprehensive navigation programs may help reduce barriers and support whole-person CRC care. Navigation program growth and service utilization, 2024–May 2026. Service 2024 2025 2026 (Jan–May) % Growth 2024→2025 Patient Referrals 69 428 231 +520% Clinical Trial Education 50 412 261 +724% Biomarker Testing Support 66 430 146 +552% Second Opinions 40 268 198 +570% Treatment Education 54 268 112 +396% HAI Referrals 20 40 5 +100%