Living Beyond Diagnosis: Colorectal Cancer, Screening, and Patient Advocacy

In this episode of Amplify: Elevating Patient Voices, hosts Ursula Mann and Barry Liden are joined by Barry Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about colorectal cancer, early screening, and why patient voices matter in shaping healthcare systems.Barry Stein shares his remarkable journey—from a late-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis in the mid-1990s, through multiple surgeries and innovative treatments, to becoming one of Canada’s most influential patient advocates. His story highlights how determination, shared decision-making, and advocacy can drive meaningful change at both the individual and system level.Together, the hosts explore why colorectal cancer screening is so critical, how screening programs have evolved across Canada, and the real-world barriers patients face when it comes to testing and access to care. The conversation also dives into the importance of patient engagement in research, clinical trials, and health technology decision-making—reminding us that data alone is never enough without lived experience.This episode is a compelling reminder that patients are not just stakeholders in healthcare—they are essential partners.In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:Barry Stein’s personal experience with stage IV colorectal cancer and what it taught him about advocacyWhy early detection and screening save livesThe role of FIT testing and colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screeningHow patient voices influence policy, access, and innovation in healthcareWhy patient preference and lived experience matter in research and decision-makingThe long-term impact of advocacy—for individuals, families, and health systems