What is a Twitter Chat
A Twitter Chat is a running conversation on Twitter during a set time that revolves around a 
predetermined topic. The Twitter Chat can be found, followed, and contributed to by using a designated hashtag. For this Twitter chat on early age onset colorectal cancer it will be #EAOCRC.
Why participate in a Twitter Chat?
Participating in a Twitter Chat lets you be part of an important conversation, and allows you to pull up a seat at the table next to survivors, providers, organizations, and institutions. It is your chance to have your voice heard and to make your experience and work matter. It is also a great way to connect with others in the shared space who have a vested interested in the cause.
How to participate in a Twitter Chat?
For one hour, anyone interested is welcome to be part of the discussion topic of the Twitter Chat. Every Twitter Chat has a topic, and the questions asked revolve around this. It’s easy to join by following and using a designated hashtag which will be promoted in advance and used with very question asked.
There are a set number of predetermined questions that will be presented in scheduled increments. Each question will be preceded with “Q1” through “Q9,” and participants can retweet with an answer appropriately labeled “A1” through “A9.” The Colon Cancer Coalition will be asking the questions from their Twitter account (@gyrig) and everyone should retweet any question they want to answer with their response so their answer makes sense.
Feel free to attach any resources, links, or photos in your response that will help support your answer. Responding to the questions live during the Twitter Chat is not a requirement for participation. We hope others will join in the hours and days after the chat, as the responses reverberate throughout Twitter.
Twitter Chat Questions:
Q1: As a colorectal cancer community we are doing so much to raise awareness about #EAOCRC with young adults and providers, yet those under 50 are still being misdiagnosed or shocked by a diagnosis. Why isn’t our message reaching these people and how can we do better?
Q2: What are some of the reactions you have gotten as a patient, caregiver, advocate, or provider when discussing #EAOCRC?
Q3: A recent study credits obesity as a factor in the rise of #EAOCRC. For many young onset patients, obesity doesn’t seem to apply. Though CRC is an obesity-related cancer, what are your thoughts on obesity as a cause in younger patients?
Q4: Financial toxicity after a cancer diagnosis puts many #EAOCRC survivors in a difficult place. Many don’t have savings, retirement, life insurance, home equity, or a second income from a partner. What can young people do to help manage/overcome this side effect of cancer?
Q5: There are many challenges young survivors/caregivers face that are unique to age. What challenges (career, fertility, parenting, dating, financial) have you found most surprising and what advice would you give to a survivor/caregiver facing these challenges? #EAOCRC
Q6: Mental health is a hot topic in the cancer community as we work to overcome the stigma associated with anxiety and depression. What can a patient or caregiver do to seek help in managing their mental health in conjunction with their disease? #EAOCRC
Q7: If you could say one thing to the providers misdiagnosing young adults or maybe even the provider that misdiagnosed you, what would it be? #EAOCRC
Q8: We know the floodgates are about to open as the rise of #EAOCRC continues upward. What programs (medical or organizationally based) are in place or being created to help with this oncoming rise?
Q9: If you could say one thing to an #EAOCRC patient or caregiver on the day they are told they have colon or rectal cancer, what would it be?
Upcoming Twitter Chats
