Is colorectal cancer screening now starting before age 50?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Several organizations have long recommended regular colorectal cancer screening for US adults ages 50 to 75, based on the proven life-saving value and reduced mortality (death) with screening colonoscopy and other screening modalities.
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Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy when YOU need it mostThe recent change is that the American Cancer Society (ACS) became the first major organization to recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 in 2018.
“The American Cancer Society (ACS) became the first major organization to recommend colorectal cancer screening starting at 45.”
Why did the ACS recommend lowering starting colorectal cancer screening to age 45 from age 50?
The incidence of colorectal cancer and mortality (death) from it has declined over the last several decades among adults over 50. This is likely because of effective screening, namely a screening colonoscopy.
This supports that "colonoscopy saves lives," as seen in The New York Times, for example, in 2012.
A screening colonoscopy has been proven to saves lives
However, since the early 1990s, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer and mortality from it among individuals younger than 50.
Since the early 1990s, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer and mortality from it among individuals younger than 50
When do I start screening?
The risk of individuals younger than 50 developing colorectal cancer is still lower than older adults. But diagnosis is usually delayed, and the disease presents at later stages, making it harder to treat, needing more aggressive care (such as chemotherapy in addition to surgery), and with lower 5-year survival.
Why the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer?
It is still unclear why this is. It has been suggested that there is an association between environmental triggers and obesity, and diet plays a role.
The majority of early-onset colorectal cancer occurs in individuals with no family history. Family history and hereditary and genetic risk factors increase one's risk of colorectal cancer.
The majority of early-onset colorectal cancer occur among individuals with no family history
When do I start screening?
Individuals between 45 and 50 should discuss with their doctors whether to begin screening at 45 or wait until 50.
What can I do to prevent colorectal cancer?
Screening (with a colonoscopy, for example) when appropriate
Quit smoking
Increase physical activity
Avoiding being overweight and obese
Drink alcohol in moderation
Limit consumption of processed meats and red meat
Aspirin*
*The US Preventive Services Task Force has recommended regular aspirin use to prevent colorectal cancer, but discuss this with your doctor first.
Never Too Young
Cancer doesn’t care how old you are; colorectal cancer awareness is no longer just for people over 50.
Here is a great campaign to educate you.
Be aware. Be seen. Be screened if warranted.
Personally
I eat a high-fiber, mostly plant-based 🌱 diet, no red meat, drink 4 liters of water a day, exercise, and am focused on keeping nutrition simple. I am sharing what works for me and what I routinely recommend to my patients.
"Balance. Portion control. Keep nutrition simple. Eat Smart. Eat Healthy. 🌱 🌾 🌿"
Gut Health ➕ Patient Advocacy with Navigation ➕ Life Balance
If you were looking for information about Private Healthcare Navigation and Patient Advocacy from Executive Health NavigationClick here for Executive Health Navigation✴ Connect with Dr. Dooreck on LinkedIn, where he focuses his sharing on Health, Diet, Nutrition, Exercise, Lifestyle, and Balance.
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