The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently announced that routine screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 instead of 50.
An alarming increase in young-onset colorectal cancer rates prompted the task force to update the guidelines. Starting routine screening five years earlier could prevent more deaths from colorectal cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Remember – 90% percent of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable with early detection and treatment!
Don’t wait – if you’re at average risk and are 45 or older, talk to your gastroenterologist about screening.
Colorectal cancer facts
- #3 cancer killer in the U.S.
- Lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24
- Expected to cause 52,980 deaths in 2021
- Deaths from colorectal cancer among people younger than 55 have increased in recent years
Symptoms
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody stool
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Risk factors
- Age (45+)
- Family history of polyps/colorectal cancer
- Gender (men are at greater risk)
- Personal history of IBD
- Ethnicity (African Americans are at greater risk)
- Lifestyle (smoking, obesity, lack of physical exercise, diet, poor nutrition)
*Those at high risk may need to start screening sooner. Check with your health insurance company to understand policy coverage.*