4.5 reasons 45-year-olds now need to be screened for colorectal cancer cancer

The American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their guidelines and now recommend that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45.

The American Cancer Society reports that in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer death when numbers for men and women are combined. Colorectal cancer is expected to cause more than 52,000 deaths during 2025.

The ironic thing is that it’s one of the most preventable cancers due to the success rate of screenings, particularly colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer almost always develops from pre-cancerous polyps in the colon. Screening tests can find these polyps and they can be removed BEFORE they turn into cancer. And oftentimes, colorectal cancer doesn’t show a sign until it’s progressed to later stages, so regular screenings can catch cancer early, when treatment works best.

In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a new recommendation that colorectal cancer screening for people at average risk should start five years sooner. The screening age was reduced from 50 to 45 due to new research showing that more young people are being diagnosed and dying because they were not getting tested until the onset of symptoms.
 

Are you ready to schedule your appointment, yet?

We get it. Preventive screenings may not be at the top of your to-do list; however, here are 4.5 reasons to pick up the phone and make the appointment.

1. Your insurance likely covers the cost because it’s preventive care. Insurance companies understand that it’s less costly to cover the screening, than to cover the costs associated with cancer treatment.

2. There are numerous screening options, you can find one that’s right for you. Colonoscopy is the gold standard, but any screening is better than nothing. Learn more about the options now.

3. The American Cancer Society reports that most colorectal cancers are found in people without a family history of colorectal cancer. That said, as many as one in three people who develop colorectal cancer have other family members who have had it. If it’s a first-degree relative, that’s one factor not in your favor. If that person was diagnosed before the age of 45, that’s another one.

4. If you have a screening that results in a cancer diagnosis, you’re in excellent hands. We have fellowship-trained, experienced colon and rectal surgeons, general surgeons and oncologists in our community who treat cancer every day.

4.5 It could save your life. Enough said.

Please, consider your options for colorectal cancer screening. Most health insurance, including Medicare, cover colonoscopy. Why not take this simple step and get screened?

To schedule an appointment, contact your primary care provider or call  Prevea Digestive Health.