Screening tests are used to identify potential signs related to certain diseases or conditions. For example, newborn screening, performed at birth, gives insight into whether or not a child has any rare genetic, hormone-related, and metabolic conditions. There are also a number of health-related screenings for adults, such as colorectal cancer screenings. In the past, guidelines suggest that people begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 50. However, shares Hartford HealthCare, new guidelines, such as those published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology or those developed by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, suggest that screening age should be reduced to 45 considering the higher prevalence of colon cancer diagnoses in younger individuals.

Screening Guidelines

You see, in the past, colorectal cancer affected older individuals more than younger people. Thus, the average screening age was around 50, as most people did not develop this cancer until later years. However, Dr. Neil Parikh explains that more young adults are developing this form of cancer. In fact, shares Dr. Parikh, millennials are 2x more likely than those born in the 1950s to develop colon cancer. This form is cancer is often fatal, as it is found in later stages. However, if found in the earliest stages, approximately 90% of patients survive. Because of this, early identification and treatment are crucial to improving patient outcomes.

If you are Black or have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, are 45 years or over, have a family history of colon cancer, have a genetic syndrome, or have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC), please speak with your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer. These risk factors are associated with cancer development.

To learn more about what to expect during a screening test, check out this helpful primer from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Colorectal Cancer

Also known as colon cancer, colorectal cancer forms in the large intestine. Often, colorectal cancer starts as benign polyps outside of the colon. However, throughout time, these polyps become cancerous. This is one of the reasons why screening is so important; screening would be able to identify precancerous polyps and treat patients accordingly. Outside of the risk factors listed above, additional colorectal cancer risk factors include living an inactive lifestyle, having diabetes, consuming a low-fiber and high-fat diet, being obese, or using cigarettes and alcohol.

In many cases, patients are asymptomatic during the early cancer stages. When symptoms do appear, these include:

• Unintended weight loss
• Fatigue or general malaise
• Feeling that bowel doesn’t empty completely
• Rectal bleeding and/or bloody stool
• Persistent change in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating

Learn more about colorectal cancer.