Colorectal cancer is one of the most common and preventable cancers in the United States, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The good news? Early detection can make all the difference. In a significant update aimed at improving prevention and early diagnosis, health experts now recommend starting regular colonoscopy screenings at age 45 instead of 50. This change highlights the critical role of early detection in reducing colorectal cancer’s impact.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society now advise adults at average risk to begin colon cancer screenings at 45 years old. This updated guidance reflects growing evidence that colorectal cancer rates are rising in younger populations. Studies show that individuals born after 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.

Lowering the starting age for screenings is a proactive step aimed at catching cancer earlier when it’s most treatable. This update ensures that thousands more people will be eligible for screenings before symptoms develop, potentially saving lives and improving outcomes.

Colorectal cancer often develops silently, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss appear, the cancer may have already advanced, making treatment more challenging. Colonoscopies and other screening methods can identify precancerous polyps or early-stage cancers before they progress.

Consider this: According to the ACS, the five-year survival rate for localized colorectal cancer (confined to the colon or rectum) is about 91%. However, if the cancer spreads to distant organs, the survival rate drops to just 15%. Early detection through routine screenings is the key to catching cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

Colonoscopies remain the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. This procedure allows doctors to directly examine the colon and rectum for abnormal growths, such as polyps, which can be removed on the spot to prevent them from becoming cancerous. A colonoscopy not only detects cancer but also prevents it.

Despite its effectiveness, many people avoid colonoscopies due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness. Others may be unaware of their increased risk due to family history or lifestyle factors. The updated guidelines aim to raise awareness and encourage more people to prioritize screenings.

While the recommendation to begin screenings at 45 applies to adults at average risk, some individuals may need to start even earlier. Those with the following risk factors should consult their doctor about earlier or more frequent screenings:

• A family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• Genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Prior radiation treatment to the abdomen or pelvis

If you’re approaching 45 or have risk factors for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about scheduling a screening. For those who have been putting off a colonoscopy, now is the time to act. Early detection doesn’t just save lives—it can prevent the physical and emotional toll of advanced cancer.

By following these updated guidelines and raising awareness about the importance of screenings, we can collectively reduce the burden of colorectal cancer and ensure better outcomes for future generations.

Your health is worth it—schedule your screening today. By making informed choices and prioritizing preventive care, you can reduce your risk and ensure a proactive approach to your health.

Southwest Health is proud to announce a new Colorectal Surgery service, offering advanced, comprehensive care for patients with a wide range of colorectal conditions. This new service is a significant expansion of Southwest Health’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the community and surrounding areas.

The program is led by a highly skilled colorectal surgeon, Dr. Alberto Vitela, MD, MS, passionate about exceptional patient care. After completing his general surgery residency, Dr. Vitela advanced his expertise with a fellowship at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, home to the country’s first robotic colorectal surgery program, and later completed a colon and rectal surgery fellowship at Cook County Hospitals in Chicago, Illinois, one of the best programs in the country where graduates of the program become leaders in their field. Along with treating patients, Dr. Alberto Vitela has researched with the University of Chicago in a NIH funded program in circular DNA for the detection of colon cancer.

If you have concerns about your risk for colon cancer, talk with your primary care provider. They will give you more insight or schedule a screening if they feel your risk is high.