As experts in colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention and control, we applaud the progress the war on cancer has had in reducing cancer incidence and mortality of CRC. Yet, one in six cases of CRC resides in people <50 years of age (EAOCRC) and will be the #1 cancer killer in both men and women for individuals < 50 by 2030.

We can no longer wait for a solid understanding of this disease's etiology to act.

Herein we declare that we must, as the people, advocates, healthcare professionals, academics, and public health entities, intervene with a unified message and initiatives. We have a duty to address and thwart the burden of this disease in our current and future generations.

Thus, as an integrated group/community, let it be stated we are unequivocally advocates for science, medicine, public health and dedicated to the population we serve. We, declare our steadfastness to elevate and disseminate the best possible information and tools available to proactively address early onset CRC by acknowledging:

Statistics alone support the need for immediate actionable intervention to curb the incidence and mortality of EOCRC.

1. We can start using the tools and scientific knowledge already at our disposal, to proactively and pragmatically initiate interventions.
2. Direct messaging to younger adults about the risks, signs, symptoms CRC. Provide guidance on how to lower CRC risks through lifestyle changes (diet, tobacco, alcohol, weight, exercise, etc.)
3. We, as CRC leading experts, thus declare through the signing of this declaration; that our efforts will go beyond paradigm of focusing on expanding our scientific understanding of EOCRC and make a decisive shift into actionable interventions known to be effective to curb the devasting rise in CRC in our younger generations.