About GCCA

Learn about the Global Colon Cancer Association mission and history.

GCCA’s Mission

The Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA) advocates for equitable access to quality colorectal cancer screenings, testing, treatments, and care, because where you live should not determine whether you can prevent or survive colorectal cancer. As both a membership-based umbrella organization and a patient advocacy organization, GCCA works toward this goal by amplifying and supporting the efforts of our member organizations, by developing adaptable advocacy and educational materials for our members, and by conducting our own advocacy, education, and initiatives that ensure patients are at the heart of all policy discussions.

GCCA’s History

The Global Colon Cancer Association was formed in 2011 by Jola Gore-Booth, co-founder and former CEO of EuropaColon, and Andrew Spiegel, co-founder and former CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

GCCA was founded with the goal of creating a global community in which people around the world can join together and battle this disease with one united voice. Over the last decade, GCCA has grown to become a patient advocacy organization and an umbrella organization for patient advocacy groups, healthcare and research institutions, professional societies, and industry partners worldwide who are united against colorectal cancer.

Our Affiliations

Collaboration is vital to the Global Colon Cancer Association’s mission. GCCA is proud to participate in multi-stakeholder partnerships working towards our shared goal of equitable access to quality colorectal cancer screenings, testing, treatments, and care. GCCA is a member of several organizations and coalitions, and our leadership team members serve on various boards and committees.

American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Digestive Cancers Europe

DiCE grew from EuropaColon, and was co-founded by one of GCCA’s founders, Jola Gore-Booth. Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) is the European umbrella organisation of a large group of national members representing patients with digestive cancer – colorectal, gastric, liver, oesophageal, pancreatic and rare cancers.

Digestive Disease National Coalition

The Digestive Disease National Coalition (DDNC) is an advocacy organization comprised of the major national voluntary and professional societies concerned with digestive diseases. The DDNC focuses on improving public policy and increasing public awareness with respect to diseases of the digestive system.

From Testing to Targeted Treatments

Nicole Sheahan, president of GCCA, serves on the board of directors at FT3. The From Testing to Targeted Treatment Program (FT3), is a non-profit, multi-stakeholder global initiative bringing the right people together and building a neutral forum to reach the shared goal to make precision medicine an accessible reality for all patients who could benefit from it.

GI Cancers Alliance

The GI Cancers Alliance works to raise awareness, provide education and advocate to prevent, treat and cure gastrointestinal cancers through a collaboration between advocacy groups, industry and institutional partners.

Global Cancer Coalitions Network

Nicole Sheahan, president of GCCA, serves on the steering committee at GCCN. Established in response to concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on member organisations, the Global Cancer Coalitions Network represents cancer patient advocacy and support organisations. The network came together to share experiences and best practice, a process they have found invaluable during the pandemic, and one that they plan to continue.

Union for International Cancer Control

UICC’s mission is to both unite and support the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control continues to be a priority in the world health and development agenda.

World Patients Alliance

GCCA’s CEO, Andrew Spiegel, serves as Chairman of the Board at WPA. World Patients Alliance is the world largest umbrella patient organization that works across all disease areas and in all world regions. The World Patients Alliance provides the platform to empower and raise the patients’ voice for the provision and access to safe, quality and affordable healthcare.