On January 21, 2022, I was appointed as the 8th President of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) to succeed the previous president, Prof. Kenichi Sugihara. JSCCR has made significant contributions to medical treatment and clinical research in colorectal cancer (CRC) under the strong leadership of the past presidents, all of whom were surgeons. I am a pathologist, and absolutely no match for them when it comes to clinical insights. Still, the starting point of pathology is based on identifying, analyzing, and solving clinical problems. With this in mind, I will pay regard to the traditions of the JSCCR while adding new perspectives for its further development. I will appreciate your support, advice, and cooperation.

JSCCR was established in 1973 with the aim of “conducting research on CRC and advancing its diagnosis and treatment.” To achieve this objective, we are actively engaged in various activities, including (1) holding academic meetings twice a year, (2) enhancing the Japanese Classification of Colorectal Carcinoma, (3) collecting and providing statistics and materials concerning CRC, and (4) organizing various committees and research projects. Another of our major ongoing responsibilities is the enhancement of the JSCCR Guidelines for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer, first published in 2005, and the JSCCR Guidelines for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer, first published in 2012. Recently, we are also covering small intestine cancer and inflammatory bowel disease-related cancer, and preparing guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

JSCCR is significantly characterized by active research projects. We currently have 11 projects in progress. Our members can freely participate in such projects when conducted at member facilities. Many of our member researchers are enthusiastically playing major roles in CRC research. Each research project accumulates and analyzes cases, leading to lively discussions. Project results are published in over 10 English-language papers annually, and reflected in the “Japanese Classification of Colorectal Carcinoma” and the “JSCCR Guidelines for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer”. Different from large academic societies, which sometimes face difficulties, we are very flexible with research requests.

Thus, JSCCR is maintaining remarkable and impressive activities thanks to clinicians and researchers who are determined to provide CRC patients with better, more appropriate medical care. Your continued cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Yoichi Ajioka
March 2022