Duluth woman helps determine which researchers get funding to fight colorectal cancer

Anna Dahlgren is using her colorectal cancer diagnosis as a way to help others in their own fight.

She’s a consumer reviewer who represents the collective view of patients. She helps prepare comments on the impact of research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life.

Dahlgren recently sat on a panel which evaluated research applications submitted to the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program.

Dahlgren told us, “There’s a lot of innovative research being done. Our goal is to find better treatment options for sure, and the end goal is to find a cure for colorectal cancer. I believe it will be discovered in my lifetime, which is very exciting.”

As a survivor of the disease, she said she’s fortunate to be able to turn her experience into something positive.

She also advocates for funding by visiting with members of Congress.