Day 2: November 20, 2026 
Advancing Care for Early Age Onset Cancer: Innovation, Care Pathways & the Patient Experience 

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. ET

Symposium Day 2 Opening

A brief recap of key themes, insights, and discussions from Day 1, followed by an overview of the objectives and discussions that will shape Day 2 of the Symposium.

9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET

Welcome from CCRAN’s President & CEO

A welcome from CCRAN's President & CEO, followed by a conversation with a patient advocate reflecting on their lived experience with early age onset cancer. Together, they will explore the realities of navigating cancer as a younger adult and how lived experience is helping challenge and reshape current models of cancer care.

10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. ET

When Care Doesn't Fit: Patient Perspectives on Navigating Cancer Within the Traditional Models of Care 

For many younger adults diagnosed with cancer, there remains a disconnect between the care they receive and the realities of living with cancer during one of the most formative stages of life. Beyond clinical decisions, patients are often navigating uncertainty, fragmented communication, psychosocial and emotional challenges, and complex healthcare systems while simultaneously managing careers, young families, financial responsibilities, social pressures, and evolving identities.

This patient panel will examine the cancer journey through the lived experiences of younger adults, exploring where traditional models of care align with patient needs and where they do not. Rather than focusing solely on gaps in care, the discussion will consider what patients value most: the conversations that build trust, the supports that foster resilience, and the care experiences that help younger patients feel seen as individuals, not simply by their diagnosis. Together, these perspectives will challenge conventional approaches to care and identify opportunities to better meet the needs of younger adults diagnosed with cancer.  

Discussion themes will include: 
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11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET

Health Break

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  ET

Advancements in the Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging malignancies to diagnose and treat. While historically associated with poor outcomes, recent advances in systemic therapies, biomarker-directed treatment, and precision medicine are beginning to reshape the management of pancreatic cancer. As therapeutic options continue to expand, clinicians are increasingly able to personalize treatment strategies and identify new opportunities through clinical research.  

This clinician roundtable will examine the latest advancements in the management of pancreatic cancer, highlighting evolving standards of care, emerging evidence, and innovative treatment approaches that are transforming clinical practice. Experts will discuss how these developments are improving outcomes, informing more individualized treatment decisions, and creating new opportunities for younger adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  

Discussion topics:
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1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. ET

Health Break

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. ET

Navigating Cancer in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Risks, and Responsible Use

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of the cancer journey, with patients increasingly using AI-powered tools to better understand their cancer and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system. While these technologies offer new opportunities to improve access to information and support informed decision-making, they also raise important questions regarding accuracy, misinformation, privacy, bias, and overreliance.  

Drawing on the experiences of patient support organizations from across Canada, this roundtable will explore how AI is influencing the patient experience and the types of questions, opportunities, and challenges organizations are hearing directly from the communities they serve. Panelists will discuss how patient organizations can help support safe, informed, and responsible use of AI while maintaining trust in evidence-based cancer care.  

Experts will explore:
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3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Health Break

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET 

Building Better Models of Care for Early Age Onset Cancer

The future of early age onset cancer care will be shaped not only by scientific advances, but also by how effectively healthcare systems connect patients to the expertise, services, and supports they need during treatment and into survivorship. As incidence of early age onset cancer continues to increase, there is an urgency to rethink how care is organized, delivered, and accessed to better meet the unique needs of younger adults and those who care for them.

Building on the calls to action identified during the 2025 Early Age Onset Cancer (EAOC) Symposium, this session explores a more connected, responsive approach to care for younger adults diagnosed with cancer. From multidisciplinary and psychosocial support to improving access to trusted resources, the discussion will consider how these essential components of care can be better integrated to support both patients and healthcare providers.

Key areas of discussion:
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4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. ET

Session Pending Confirmation

5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET

Day 2 Closing Remarks and Symposium Adjournment