CISNET investigators (clockwise) Ann Zauber (Memorial Sloan Kettering), John Inadomi (University of Utah), Carolyn Rutter (Fred Hutch), Amy Knudsen (MGH)
Dr. Amy Knudsen, an Associate Director of the MGH Institute for Technology Assessment and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, participated in Fight Colorectal Cancer’s (FightCRC) annual “Call on Congress” event, held March 10-11, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Knudsen took part in an influential research forum on colorectal cancer screening during the advocacy training day. Subsequently, she joined approximately 350 colorectal cancer patients, survivors, and families who have lost loved ones to colorectal cancer in advocating for increased research funding from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program. As part of a seven-member delegation from Massachusetts, Dr. Knudsen met with health policy aides from Senators Elizabeth Warren’s and Ed Markey’s offices to discuss the urgent need for dedicated funding to advance colorectal cancer research.
Reflecting on her experience, Dr. Knudsen remarked, “It was deeply moving to hear the personal stories of families impacted by colorectal cancer and incredibly inspiring to join so many dedicated advocates on Capitol Hill.”
The advocacy efforts were visually underscored by FightCRC’s powerful flag installation on the National Mall, featuring 27,400 flags—each symbolizing an adult aged 20-49 who is projected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer by 2030. This poignant exhibit emphasized the critical importance of early screening, research, and sustained funding.
