(Bethesda, MD, Tuesday, March 8, 2022) – The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, diagnosed in patients under the age of 50 years, has been increasing. New data reveal that late stage colon and rectal cancers are increasing dangerously among younger Americans, particularly people of color.

Colorectal Cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. It is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer related mortality.

New guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology recommend starting lifesaving colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for average risk individuals. This is an important change from earlier guidelines that used to recommend starting at age 50 for most people and age 45 for African Americans only. Now “45 is the new 50” to start screening for everyone at average risk.

New research shows that Americans younger than 40 experienced the steepest rise in advanced cases of late stage colon and rectal cancers between 2000 and 2016. Individuals between 20 and 39 years old experienced the steepest increase in distant-stage early-onset colorectal adenocarcinoma incidence between 2000 and 2016, with the youngest non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations experiencing greater proportions of distant-stage disease.

Starting screening at age 45 improves the chances of finding polyps and cancers sooner and hopefully preventing late stage disease and death. It is important that everyone regardless of age should never ignore new or worrying bowel symptoms. Too often young people say they went from doctor to doctor and their bleeding or symptoms were ignored because they were so young.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, colorectal cancer screening is safe and important and should not be delayed.

The American College of Gastroenterology is the preeminent professional organization that champions the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive disorders, serving as a beacon to guide the delivery of the highest quality, compassionate, and evidence-based patient care. For more information on colorectal cancer screening, visit gi.org/ColonCancer.