Rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC)—diagnosed in people under age 50—are on the rise across the globe, affecting at least 14 countries in North America, Europe, Oceania, South America, and beyond. While prevention and treatment advances have helped older adults, younger patients too often face delayed diagnoses, aggressive disease, and life-altering personal and professional challenges.

In June 2025, Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) convened the world’s first-ever global think tank dedicated exclusively to EOCRC. Held in Barcelona, Spain, this historic meeting brought together 71 experts and advocates from 18 countries—thanks to the generous support of individual donors and private fundraising.

The goal: to launch a unified, global research strategy to uncover the causes of EOCRC and stop its rise. This landmark event united leading advocacy organizations—including Bowel Cancer Australia, Bowel Cancer UK, Colorectal Cancer Canada, Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE), and the Global Colon Cancer Association (GCCA)—to begin building a shared blueprint for ending EOCRC worldwide.

By 2040, colorectal cancer is projected to claim 1.6 million lives annually — a staggering 73% increase from 2020. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for global action and the impact that GEOCRCTT 2025 can achieve . This unprecedented collaboration marked a pivotal step toward reversing the rise of EOCRC.

Five global working groups have been established to drive this mission forward, each focusing on critical areas of EOCRC research, advocacy, and ongoing collaboration. These groups will convene quarterly over the next two years, fostering sustained international collaboration and innovation

With the support of our advocacy partners, we will continue advancing this work in partnership with the global EOCRC community. We invite researchers, advocates, and supporters to: