Our history

Our History: From a Patient’s Inquiry to a National Organization

The idea for Colores was first ignited in the autumn of 2006. A former patient of Professor Inkeri Elomaa inquired whether there was a dedicated support association for colorectal cancer patients. Although no such organization existed at the time, the question stayed with Inkeri.

By the time she retired, Inkeri Elomaa had worked in cancer care for 25 years at the HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center. During her career, she witnessed significant breakthroughs in treatment that led to higher recovery rates. However, she also saw the increasing prevalence of colorectal cancer among both men and women, highlighting a growing need for specialized support.

When the association was being established, a study was conducted to identify the specific needs of patients and their loved ones for information and support. This allowed future members to shape the organization’s activities from the very beginning.

The results were encouraging: the vast majority felt that a dedicated organization was necessary to provide reliable information and peer support throughout the different stages of the illness. Many expressed a desire to speak openly about the disease with others in similar situations—a need that was unmet due to the scarcity of accessible and trustworthy information.

In early 2007, Inkeri assembled the first Board of Directors for Colores. She believed it was vital to include not only patients but also the country’s leading oncologists and specialists in colorectal cancer. This unique combination of medical expertise and lived experience became the bedrock of Colores, ensuring that the organization is both a compassionate community and a trusted source of information.