Colorectal Cancer Early Diagnoses Rise Among Ages 45-49 After Screening Age Change

Recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveal a significant increase in colorectal cancer screening among adults aged 45 to 49, following the lowering of the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 by the American Cancer Society in 2018 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in 2021. This rise in screening has led to a steep increase in early-stage colorectal cancer diagnoses in this age group, likely due to first-time screenings detecting previously asymptomatic cases rather than a true surge in cancer incidence. Experts, including epidemiologists from the American Cancer Society, express optimism that these early detections will save lives, though they caution that screening rates remain suboptimal and uneven across different socioeconomic groups. The findings support the effectiveness of current screening guidelines amid concerns over potential changes to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force membership, which could impact future recommendations. Additionally, research suggests that mailing stool test kits may be a promising strategy to further increase screening uptake among younger adults. Overall, these developments mark a positive shift toward earlier detection and improved outcomes for colorectal cancer in younger populations.