What is the new recommended age for colorectal cancer screening?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has lowered the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening to 45 years old.

Why is colorectal cancer screening age being lowered?

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for individuals under 50, with a significant increase in early-onset cases observed globally.

What genetic conditions might require earlier colon cancer screening?

Conditions like Lynch syndrome can necessitate starting colorectal cancer screening as early as the early 20s, or two to five years younger than the youngest relative diagnosed.

Home / Health / Colon Cancer Surges in Young Adults: Screening Age Lowered

Colon Cancer Surges in Young Adults: Screening Age Lowered

9 Mar

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Summary

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in those under 50.
Screening age lowered to 45 in the US due to rising early-onset cases.
Genetic factors like Lynch syndrome may require screening in early 20s.

Colon Cancer Surges in Young Adults: Screening Age Lowered

Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death for individuals under 50, prompting a significant shift in public health recommendations. In 2023, this marked a critical point for cancer mortality in younger demographics.

In response, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has officially lowered the recommended age to begin colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45. This change reflects a concerning 79 percent global increase in cancers diagnosed in people younger than 50 between 1990 and 2019.