Increasing instances of colon cancer may indicate achievement in earlier diagnosis

Increasing instances of colon cancer may indicate achievement in earlier diagnosis

Rise in Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer Among Younger Adults: A Result of Expanded Screening

A significant increase in early-stage colorectal cancer cases among younger adults in the United States, particularly those aged 45 to 49, has been observed in recent years. This trend is primarily attributed to the recent lowering of the recommended screening age from 50 to 45.

In 2018, the American Cancer Society (ACS) made the first move by lowering the starting age for colorectal cancer screening to 45. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force followed suit in 2021, aligning with the ACS recommendation [1][2][3]. As a result, screening rates among adults aged 45-49 have seen a dramatic increase. Colonoscopy rates increased by 43%, while stool-based testing saw more than a fivefold increase between 2019 and 2023 [2].

This increased screening has led to a jump in early-stage colorectal cancer incidence. From 2019 to 2022, early-stage colorectal cancer cases in this age group increased by 12% annually, compared to just a 1.1% annual increase from 2004 to 2019 [1][2]. Experts view this rise in early-stage diagnoses as promising news, as it likely reflects more first-time screenings and improved early detection rather than a sudden surge in cancer itself [1][2][3].

However, it's worth noting that advanced-stage colorectal cancer cases continue to increase among those under 45, a group not routinely screened [2].

Separately, there is a noted overall rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults (under 55), with lifestyle factors like diet, obesity, and sedentary habits possibly contributing. However, these factors do not fully explain the recent uptick in early-stage diagnoses [4].

In summary, the recent increase in early-stage colorectal cancer among younger adults is primarily a result of expanded and earlier screening, enabling more cases to be caught early and potentially saving lives [1][2][3][5]. It is crucial for individuals aged 45 and above to undergo regular colorectal cancer screenings to help detect the disease at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Key details:

• The American Cancer Society (ACS) lowered the recommended starting age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2018, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force followed in 2021 [1][2][3].
• Screening rates among adults aged 45-49 increased dramatically—by 43% for colonoscopy and more than fivefold for stool-based testing between 2019 and 2023 [2].
• Early-stage colorectal cancer incidence in this group jumped 12% annually from 2019 to 2022, compared to just a 1.1% annual increase from 2004 to 2019 [1][2].
• Experts highlight this rise in early-stage diagnoses as promising news because it likely reflects more first-time screenings and improved early detection rather than a sudden surge in cancer itself [1][2][3].
• However, advanced-stage colorectal cancer cases continue to increase among those under 45, a group not routinely screened [2].

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