Colorectal Cancer Rate Rising in Young Adults: Why Screening Now Starts at 45

Colorectal cancer has long been considered a disease that primarily affects older adults. However, recent trends show an alarming increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, prompting experts to lower the recommended screening age from 50 to 45.

With colorectal cancer now the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., early detection is more critical than ever. If you’re 45 or older—or younger and have risk factors such as a family history of the disease—it’s time to talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.

Colorectal Cancer Cases in Younger Adults Are Rising

Consider the key findings below:

• 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under age 55—nearly double the rate from 1995.
• Rates of advanced colorectal cancer have been increasing by about 3% per year in people under 50.
• Younger adults are more likely to be diagnosed with later-stage cancer, making treatment more difficult.

Why Are More Young Adults Getting Colorectal Cancer?

Researchers are still studying the exact reasons behind this increase, but several factors may be contributing:

• Lifestyle & Diet: Increased consumption of processed foods, red meats, and sugary drinks, along with low fiber intake, may raise the risk.
• Sedentary Behavior: A lack of physical activity has been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
• Obesity: Rising obesity rates correlate with higher colorectal cancer rates.
• Gut Health & Inflammation: Changes in the gut microbiome and chronic inflammation (from conditions like IBD, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis) may play a role.
• Delayed Diagnosis: Because young adults aren’t typically screened, their cancers are often diagnosed at more advanced stages when treatment options are limited.

New Screening Guidelines: Get Your First Colonoscopy at 45

To catch colorectal cancer earlier, the American Cancer Society and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommend that adults at average risk start colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, instead of 50.

For individuals at higher risk, screening should begin even earlier and should talk to your primary care provider. You may be considered high-risk if you:

• Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Have a history of colon polyps
• Carry genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Colonoscopies Save Lives—Don’t Delay Your Screening

There are multiple ways to screen for colorectal cancer, but colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it allows doctors to detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous. Many people avoid getting a colonoscopy because they fear the prep, discomfort or results. However, the procedure is quick, safe and could save your life.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at GI of Norman - Moore

To schedule your colonoscopy or learn more about screening options, call GI of Norman - Moore at 405-515-2777 today.