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Colon Cancer Is Rising Among Younger Adults: Know the New Screening Guidelines
For decades, colorectal cancer was considered a disease that primarily affected older adults. But now, that narrative is changing. Rates of early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed in people under 50) have been steadily rising, and the screening guidelines have recently changed in response.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making now a perfect time to educate yourself about the disease and the new screening guidelines. Our team at Ross Medical Group specializes in preventive care and genetic cancer screening, and this year, the message is especially clear: Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before getting screened.
More young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in adults under 50. Overall colorectal cancer rates have declined in older adults largely due to screening, but diagnoses among younger adults have increased over the past two decades.
Researchers are still studying why this shift is happening. Potential contributing factors include:
- Diets high in processed foods and red meat
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Obesity
- Changes in the gut microbiome
- Environmental exposures
- Genetic predisposition
What’s particularly concerning is that younger adults are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, partly because screening historically began at age 50. Symptoms in younger people may be dismissed or attributed to less serious conditions.
The new guidelines: start colorectal cancer screening at age 45
In response to rising cases, both the American Cancer Society and the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommend that average-risk adults begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, not 50.
That means getting your first screening at 45, and continuing regular screenings until at least age 75. Two of the most common options are colonoscopy and stool testing, and your healthcare team can help you decide what’s best for your situation.
If you’re under 45, you may want to start preventive screenings earlier if you have:
- A family history of advanced polyps or colorectal cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Certain hereditary syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome
- A history of abdominal or pelvic radiation
At Ross Medical Group, we offer genetic cancer screening to help you understand your risk of colorectal cancer. The screening checks for genetic markers that are linked to higher rates of cancer so that you can make more informed decisions about your care plan.
If you’re over 75, the decision to continue screenings should include factors such as previous screening results, your overall health, and your life expectancy. By about age 85, you should no longer need routine colorectal cancer screenings.
Why waiting for symptoms can be dangerous
One of the most important messages to take away from Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is that colorectal cancer often develops silently. It usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and the only way to identify it early on is through routine screening.
When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Rectal bleeding
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue from anemia
By the time symptoms are obvious, the cancer may already be advanced. In contrast, screening is designed to detect precancerous polyps — abnormal growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer. It can also catch cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that prevention is powerful. Screening has already led to declining colorectal cancer rates in adults over 50 — proof that early detection works. So if you’re turning 45 this year, have risk factors, or have delayed your screening, now is the time to schedule an appointment.
Call our Miami, Florida, office at 305-279-7677 or book online to learn more about genetic cancer screening and start developing your personalized cancer prevention plan today.