A history of the collaborative group of the Americas on inherited gastrointestinal cancer (CGA-IGC): 1995–2025

The Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer (CGA-IGC) was created in 1995, when a small group of clinicians and researchers interested in improving the understanding of hereditary gastrointestinal (GI) cancer syndromes met in St. Louis. The organization was modeled after similar societies being formed internationally, with the goals of addressing uniquely American aspects of the healthcare of patients, providing opportunities for interested institutions and individuals to collaborate on studies, and facilitating affordable and accessible meetings. Over the subsequent 30 years, CGA-IGC has grown in size and scope. The organization was formally established in 1996 and annual academic meetings began in 1997, at which time the organization’s name was the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer (CGA-ICC). Milestones included the organization’s first strategic plan in 2010, the hiring of outside administrative management in 2014, and the creation of working committees in 2017. These decisions led to progressive growth of the organization, allowing for provision of year-round educational opportunities and increased member engagement. Given the recognition that the hereditary syndromes of interest to this group involve all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the organization’s name was changed from Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer to Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer in 2018. Presently, CGA-IGC enjoys record-high membership, with over 500 members. A new 3-year strategic plan was implemented in 2024 to guide CGA-IGC into its next 30 years.